Arthurlie running out of time to dodge drop
Late rally not enough for Barrhead team as Beith secure win
A FIRST half collapse sealed Arthurlie’s fate against Beith at Bellsdale Park on Saturday as they slipped to a 4-2 defeat.
The hosts, who remain firmly in the hunt for the Premier Division title, raced into a 3-0 lead before the interval, with Ciaran Diver netting twice before Ewan Wilson added the third.
And the second period was only a few minutes old when Diver completed his hat-trick, which meant the half-time team talk from Arthurlie manager Colin Reilly was immediately made redundant.
The visitors bravely battled on, however, and Lee Roulston pulled one back after 55 minutes.
Mark Docherty then made the scoreline more respectable as he netted from the penalty spot with a Panenka-style dink in added time.
The result means Arthurlie remain in the relegation zone, seven points from safety with five games to go.
Reilly and his players will now turn their attention to this weekend’s Scottish Junior Cup semi-final first leg clash with Johnstone Burgh.
The Keanie Park team may well go into the match with renewed confidence, having brought a disappointing run of results to an end with a thumping 6-1 win over Cambuslang Rangers last Wednesday night and a 3-2 victory against Ashfield at the weekend.
Kick-off for Sunday’s first leg at Dunterlie Park is at 2.30pm and entry costs £10 for adults and £5 for concessions and juveniles, while under-12s who are accompanied by a paying adult will be admitted free of charge.
The second leg at Keanie Park is at 5.30pm on Saturday, April 20.
Supporters can buy tickets for that match in advance, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, by calling Robert Kerrigan on 0783 393 4025 or Vic Young on 0782 685 0856.
However, a pay-at-the-gate option will also be available on the day.