ROSS LAFFERTY
Arthurlie marched on in the Conference A title race with a vital win against Craigmark Burntonians at Dunterlie Park.
In glorious sunshine the visitors were lively at the start of the game and Steven Tan had their first opportunity but saw his effort go narrowly wide in the opening stages.
Fresh from his debut start last week, Aaron Healy was again selected in the Arthurlie starting eleven for this game and he played a key part in the opening goal.
His net-bound shot was handled by a Craigmark defender, giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.
From the resulting penalty, Gary Carroll made no mistake to give Arthurlie the lead with his well hit penalty going high into the net to the keeper’s right.
On 40 minutes Carroll nearly added a second but his drive from an acute angle was well saved and Healy lashed over the rebound.
Healy then came close as the half drew to a close, gliding past two defenders before seeing his right-footed effort palmed away.
With Arthurlie having gone into the break in front, Craigmark started the second half well and Tan again threatened on 50 minutes but his 20-yarder was safely held by James Scott.
Healy was a constant threat in the middle of the park for‘Lie and, following a lovely take down in the centre circle, he played Tam McGaughey into space on the right.
The winger cut inside to create room for a shot but his drive drom 25 yards was tipped over by Dylan Caddis.
On 65 minutes Arthurlie made a double substitution, replacing Healy and Kris Amponsah with the returning Dale Simeon and Lance Pearce.
Simeon’s return to the team reaped immediate rewards as, within a minute of coming on, he sent McGaughey clear on goal.
The winger took a touch before dinking the ball over the onrushing Caddis to push the hosts further in front.
The second goal seemed to take the life out of Craigmark in the closing stages.
And Andy McFadyen’s side were always in cruise control from then on, claiming another important three points in their bid for the league title and the promotion to the WoSFL Premier League that comes along with it.