Billy:We’re playing better every week
Arthurlie boss Billy Ogilvie insists he was delighted with his side’s 1-1 draw with Girvan performance despite only coming away with a point.
A moment of magic from top goalscorer Marc McKenzie ensured that the Barrhead shared the spoils with Girvan in a keenly-contested encounter at Dunterlie.
A late red card for the midfielder was the only blip for him over the course of another thrilling display.
Meanwhile, Ogilvie reckons that his new side are continuing to improve on a weekly basis. Having only been in the hotseat for three weeks he admits he is still implementing his own style on the team – but he is happy with how things are progressing.
Ogilvie said:“I thought the team’s performance was absolutely excellent. Their structure, organisation and their determination were tremendous.
“Girvan were a tricky team. They defended well and they were also really well organised. It was a good contest played on a difficult pitch.
“It was a typical goal from Marc. He just gets the ball out of his feet.
“I was nearly going to give him a row because there was a better option just inside, but Marc curls it into the far away post.
“We are now just going to work on what we have been doing since I walked in the door, without giving my hand away.
“We are just improving every week. I thought they were brilliant and it feels a bit like a loss, which is credit to them.”
Spence came close to opening the scoring in the opening exchanges, getting on the end of a cutback but his strike flew just wide of the goal.
But McKenzie was happy to oblige with the opener not long after, picking the ball up in centre midfield before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner from at least 25 yards from goal.
Steven O’Donnell levelled for the visitors not long after after the Arthurlie defence failed to deal with a high ball into the box. The striker got the last touch, sliding in to slot the ball under Grant Hay in goal.
Into the second half and chances fell to both sides as they looked to find the winner. O’Donnell blazed a fantastic chance high and wide of goal after finding himself one on one with the keeper.
McKenzie then fired over the bar from close range for the hosts as he looked to repicate his first-half heroics – but he couldn’t keep his strike down.
The midfielder was then shown red for mouthing off at the lineman after being flagged for offside, but Arthurlie were able to hold on.