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1 (Jack OG) Arthurlie 1 (Ryan) Sectional League Cup 06-08-03 Pollok had a couple of half chances to take the lead before a rare Stevie Jack error on 12 minutes saw him back header a Wilson kick out and the ball looped over the stranded McGovern in the Arthurlie goal. The 'lie got a foothold in the game and equalised on the half hour courtesy of an amazing free kick from Zander Ryan, 25 yards out he fizzed the ball over the wall and past Wilson who never moved. As usual there had been plenty of meaty challenges which
delived a few bookings and a red card looked enivitable, the only surprise
was that it came in the first half, Kevin O'Neil tripped Bonnar McKenzie
as he bore in on goal and he was heading for the pavillion before the
second yellow was raised. Arthurlie McGovern, McKeown, Robertson, Jack, McShane, Ryan, Ross, Smith (Madden 80), McKenzie (Downs 70), Raie, Hobbs
Neilston 2 (McKee, Cochrane) Arthurlie 1 (Ryan) Sectional League Cup 09-08-03 An experimental Arthurlie side crashed at Brig O'Lea as a mixture of poor defending and a lack of invention allowed the home side to close out the three points. Despite the odd looking line up, most Arthurlie fans
were happy enough with the teams opening spell as the shaky home defence
creaked under almost constant pressure in the first 20 minutes. Crucially
all Arthurlie had to show for their dominance was a quite superb Zander
Ryan free kick that gave the home keeper not an earthly. Charlie Hobbs
had taken one bad tackle too many and limped off and this coincided
with achange in the pattern of play. The home side grew in confidence
and levelled matters when Arthurlie failed to deal with a low cross
and McKee netted at the second attempt. Arthurlie McGovern, Jack, Robertson, Somers, McShane, Ross, Ryan, Smith (McGarvey 60), Downs (Madden 70), Rae, Hobbs (McKenzie 35)
Arthurlie 5 (Smith, McGarvey, Ryan, OG, Hobbs) Renfrew 1 Sectional League Cup 11-08-03 Frank Lynch again rang the changes and this time his
selections came up trumps as his team thrashed a poor Renfrew side in
tonights one sided league cup tie. The second half was more of the same and Zander Ryan added a third with another of his free kick specials. Renfrew showed a little resistance and netted with super strike from 18 yards gave Sexton no chance but Arthurlie quickly restored the three goal advantage when Hammond scooped into his own net from a dangerous Ryan cross. There was still time for one more and Charlie Hobbs provided a bit of class when he produced a delicate chip over the keeper and into the corner to finish the scoring
Johnstone 1 (Donnelly) Arthurlie 2(Ross, McShane)Sectional League Cup 13-08-03 Arthurlie stole the three points on offer at Keanie Park
thanks to a Mark McShane header inthe 89th minute in a game that just
never got going. The second half was as bad as it gets for the fans as both sides struggled to create any real chances. Burgh had strong claims for a penalty when a striker was felled in the box but the erratic ref waved play on. With time running out Frank Lynch threw on Bonnar McKenzie to keep his side in with a chance of qualifying but the hero of the night was defender Mark McShane who leapt above the home defence to power home a Zander Ryan corner with just a minute remaining Arthurlie Sexton, Ryan, Robertson, Jack, McShane, Smith (Hobbs 45), Ross, McGarvey (Somers 80), Downs , Rae, Madden (McKenzie 67) Arthurlie 0 St Anthony's 3 Sectional League Cup 20-08-03 Arthurlie were knocked out of the league cup section after a well organised and well fired up Ants side put them to the sword. A real cracker of a game that was lit up by Joe Mullherans goal on the half hour against the run of play. Arthurlie huffed and puffed but again showed a lack of invention, best chance fell to Mark Ross who struck the outside of the post after good work by Bonnar McKenzie. The second half saw the referee totally lose the plot, first he sent off Ross for a professional foul on the half way line when a caution was the worst the midfielder expected. Next up he showed Mullheran his second yellow card for diving after the striker was brought down in the box, it was as clear cut a penalty as you will see but the ref was in no doubt it was a dive. All this happened after Arthurlie had missed an amazing chance to level the scores when Robert Downs had two attempts from 8 yards, the first was beat out by the keeper, the second hit the post before Mark Ross saw his shot kicked off the line. Arthurlie went man for man at the back and created a few openings but the inevitable breakaway caught them out with 3 minutes remaining and the game was up. Just to make the night even sweeter for the Ants, they added another in injury time. 3-0 was well flattering but this is a decent Ants side, fantastic team spirit and hard working, we have played better but they defended as if their lives depended on it and I for one don't grudge them the result. From an Arthurlie point of view, there are worrying signs all over the park just 10 days before the big kick off, not just on this display tonight, they have been evident from the pre season friendlies. Arthurlie Sexton, McKeown, Robertson (Allison), Jack, McShane, Ross, Smith (Hobbs), McGarvey, McKenzie, Rae (Somers), Downs Arthurlie 2(Hobbs, Smith) Benburb 1Sectional League Cup 23-08-03 A real end of season feel to this match with both sides
already eliminated from the competition and the game never rose above
the mediocre. Bens levelled when the striker found space inside the box on the hour and clipped the ball over the advancing McGovern.
Sexton, Somers, McCann
Arthurlie found their true form when it mattered most as they sent the glens packing with a well deserved win in front of over 500 fans. The first half was noteable for the amount of clear cut chances created, and missed, by Arthurlie, this was down to a mixture of poor finishing and some superb goalkeeping from Glenafton's Gary Matthews. Arthurlie struck wood at least three times with the best chance falling to Mark Ross who somehow hit the post from 2 yards. Glenafton had strong claims for a penalty when Stevie Jack allowed the striker to get goalside and in an attempt to clear the danger looked to have fouled inside the box. The second half saw Glenafton reduced to 10 men when Dougie Johnstone recieved a straight red for a knee high challenge on Mark Ross but despite the man advantage, Arthurlie just couldn't get the goal their play deserved. 'Lies Mark McShane had picked up a soft booking early in the first 45 and it was no surprise to see him collect a second one for a block with 20 minutes remaining and it was ten V ten. Glenafton then enjoyed their best spell and looked more likely to open the scoring but against the run of play Arthurlie netted when a looping cross from the left wing was nodded past Matthews by Robert Downs. Glens buzzed around the home goal but the Arthurlie defence, marshalled superbly by Stevie Jack, held firm, biggest chance fell to No 9 who headed just over from 8 yards after some great wing play down the right.
Subs Sexton, Somers, Madden
Arthurlie surged to the top of the league with a second half show that blew the home side away. Arthurlie shaded first half possesion but seldom threatened the home keeper and it took an own goal to break the deadlock. Great passing play down the left saw Mark Travers whip in a dangerous low cross that was turned into the net by Gary Wilson. Neilston equalised immediatly when McShane was beaten in the air and Chris McKee had time and space to nod past McGovern.
Neilston totally lost the plot and had two men sent off inside the next ten minutes, Steve Harvey recieved a straight red for a late lunge on McKenzie and McKee picked up his second booking for a late tackle on Ross. Amazingly the nine men scored when Mark Travers was short with a backpass and Ryan McDonald slipped the ball past his former teammate Dean Sexton. The points were finally secured when substitute Gary Madden ran through on goal and showed great composure to slot under the advancing keeper. There was still enough time for Neilston to round off a truly miserable day when Michael Fallon was shown his second yellow for reacting to Tony McCann tackle. Arthurlie never really hit the heights they had when defeating Glenafton but this time around they were far more clinical in front of goal. Bonnar McKenzie and Robert Downs are starting to click again and when they are on form they will score against anybody. To win away at last seasons runners up without the talents of McKeown, Smith, Robertson and McGarvey speaks volumes for the way the squad is handling the step up. Arthurlie McGovern (Sexton 45), McShane, Travers, Jack,
Allison (Hobbs), Ross, Ryan, McCann, McKenzie, Rae, Downs(Madden)
Kilbirnie 0 Arthurlie 2(McGarvey, Ryan)
The first goal was scored by Martin McGarvey on 15 minutes when he picked up the ball inside the box and slotted a left foot shot low past former team mate Steven O'Neil. The home side rarely threatened and at times struggled to cope with an energetic front two of Hobbs and Downs.
Arthurlie Sexton, McShane, Travers, Jack, Allison, Ross,
Ryan, McGarvey, Hobbs (McKenzie 86), McKeown, Downs (Madden 86) Arniston 4 (Nicol, Nisbet, Mitchell, Pryde) Arthurlie 0 OVD Scottish Junior Cup 1st round Sat 11th Oct 2003 Arthurlie were dumped out of the Scottish by a strong Arniston side who ran in three second half goals and in the process handed manager Frank Lynch his heaviest defeat as Arthurlie boss. It had started brightly for Arthurlie when Robert Downs was sent through on Scott Bennett but as he attempted to shoot he caught the young keeper on the jaw and play was stopped. After lengthy treatment Bennett was helped off the field to the waiting ambulance and was replaced by Elder, we hope he has a speedy recovery.
The second half saw a total collapse from Arthurlie and Scott Nisbet scored with a headed flick from along throw in that found Sexton in no mans land and unable to prevent it making it 2-0. The whole defence then switched off at a free kick, ala Kilwinning Rangers at Dunterlie, and some neat passing and a fine header from Mitchell made it 3-0. Arthurlie were well beaten by this point but it was about to get worse, a dive in the box by an Arniston striker did not impress the referee who waved play on but it impressed Marc McShane even less who headbutted the striker. The linesman flagged and to everyones amazement, the referee sent off Martin McGarvey, as the offence had happened in the box it was a penalty and Darren Pryde slotted it low to Sextons right, the keeper dived the wrong way 'surprisingly'. Arthurlie Sexton, McShane, Travers, Jack, Allison (McKenzie
65), Ross, Ryan, McGarvey, Hobbs (Madden 80), McKeown (Smith 75), Downs
Arthurlie 1(Smith) Cumnock 1 (McCulloch) Premier League 18-10-03 More of the same as Arthurlie squandered a barrowload of chances and lost another sloppy goal which meant they only got a point from a match they dominated. First to threaten was Robert Downs who found space on the edge of the box but saw his curling shot go wide of Potters goal on 10 minutes. Three minutes later and a powerful run saw Brian McKeown surge into the Cumnock box but again the shot was wide of the mark. The visitors were not seen at all as an attacking force but there was plently of fighting spirit and this was typified just before the half hour when Scott Houston got into a scuffle with'lies Colin Robertson, some sensible refereeing saw both players booked. Charlie Hobbs then latched onto a long ball and his pace
saw him outstrip the defence before a rasping shot just cleared the
crossbar. In a rare foray upfield, Cumnock won penalty when Stuart Allison
pushed Stephen McCulloch when trying to clear a fairly run of the mill
high ball. The referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but
after a word with his assistant changed it to a spot kick and McCulloch
scored with some style. Martin McGarvey had taken a few knocks in the first half and was replaced at half time by Bonnar McKenzie and the striker almost had an immeadiate effect when he forced Potter to block his shot from a Hobbs pass. It seemed that Arthurlie would never score and Hobbs in particular was finding it tough as he watched Potter tip over his half volley on the hour. Cumnock had a great chance to seal the points when a misplaced clearance from Robertson fell at the feet of Houston and although the big striker beat McGovern he watched in agony as the ball struck the post. With that let off Arthurlie drew level, a short corner saw Xander Ryan whip in great cross that broke out to Bryan Smith and he made no mistake. Both sides had chances late on to win the game, Cumnock were unlucky when McCulloch beat the keeper to a cross ball but saw his shot hacked off the line by Marc McShane, then in the final minute McShane himselt got on the end of another Ryan cross and his powerful header cracked off the bar. Arthurlie played quite well in this game but are missing far too many chances, add this to the fact that we seem to be giving away at least one cheap goal every week and it becomes tough to win football matches. Top marks to Xander Ryan, Stevie Jack and great to see Bryan Smith mark his return with a goal but just shading man of the match was Brian McKeown. Arthurlie McGovern, Ryan, Robertson, Jack (McCann 77),
Allison (McShane 68), Travers, Smith, McGarvey (McKenzie 45), Downs,
McKeown, Hobbs Greenock 2 (Docherty, Bowie) Arthurlie 0
Right now Arthurlie just couldn't buy a win and it was all too easy for Greenock as they upset the odds by moving into the the third round. For 'lie fans the facts are incidental as goals from Docherty, a free header on 12 minutes, and Bowie strike on 79 were more than enough as despite tons of possession, Arthurlie rarely looked threatening. It may have been different had Robert Downs stuck away a great chance just before the break but he headed wide with the goal at his mercy. The last 15 minutes saw Arthurlie go all out to force a penalty shoot out and Charlie Hobbs had a decent chance but it was another one of those days. The massive injury list is a real factor in the form slump and confidence is at an all time low but we will just have to get the sleeves rolled up and soldier on and try to turn the corner. Greenock deserved their win and good luck to them in the next round but a word on the time wasting, Sandy McLean's programme notes were all about how the committee are trying to build a good name for the club but i'm afraid this is not the way to do it. Man of the match is a real tough call as there was not much good about Arthurlie today but Brian McKeown did well as a stand in centre half. Arthurlie McGovern, Ryan, Travers, McKeown, McShane, Ross (Robertson), Hobbs, Smith, McKenzie (Madden), Rae, Downs Subs McCann, Sexton Auchinleck 1 Arthurlie 3(Smith, Downs, Madden) Arthurlie collected all the points after coming back from a goal down to win with strikes from Bryan Smith, Robert Downs and an injury time strike from Gary Madden. Auchinleck took the lead on 9 minutes when Gavin Friels found space in the box and his shot took a slight defelection on it's way past Steven McGoven. Arthurlie had more of the ball but it was the home side how looked the more threatening and No 6 blasted over the bar on 18 minutes after some neat build up play. On the half hour Arthurlie levelled with a well worked goal, Bryan Smith fed Charlie Hobbs on tthe right and the midfielder continued his run to collect the cut back before slamming the ball into the net. Hobbs then had a chance to give his side the lead just before the break but he just couldn't get enough on a shot from Mark Travers. The same player scorned a wonderful chance right from the kick off when Xander Ryans cross found him unmarked 8 yards out but his weak header gave the keeper no problems. After looking a poor second best for long spells Auchinleck started coming back into the game and it took 2 great saves from McGovern to prevent them from taking the lead, the second one in particular was an amazing stop from Freils close range piledriver. The game turned Arthurlies way with 15 minutes remaining when talbot captain Ian McAuley picked up his second yellow after the linesman spotted something off the ball. Just two minutes later and Robert Downs scored an absolute belter when he raced onto a Smith pass and from the edge of the box fired an unstopable left foot shot that flew in off the keepers right hand post. As the ten men pushed for an equaliser two Arthurlie subs combined in injury time to make sure of the points, Bonar McKenzie chipped the ball over the defence and Gary Madden's right foot shot gave the big keeper no chance Arthurlie McGovern, McShane, Travers (Hobbs 68), McKeown,
Allison, Robertson, Ryan, Smith, Hobbs (McKenzie 68), Rae, Downs (Madden
78) Johnstone Burgh 0 Arthurlie 5 (McKenzie 3, Madden,
McShane) This was a mudbath, and Arthurlie in their nice new white tops too.It was actually touch and go earlier in the day as to whether the game would go ahead or not.Thankfully, from our point of view it did. Forgive me if I am repeating myself but if Arthurlie are allowed to play football there is no stopping us.This was the case here as we ripped Johnstone apart and the score could have been a repeat of the 9-1 victory in the Leagur Cup at the start of last season.They have gone downhill rapidly and the spot where their "choir" stood a couple of years back lay empty. It took Arthurtlie just 12 minutes to take the lead when Charlie Hobbs jinked past a couple of static defenders and slipped the ball to McKenzie who had two bites of the cherry after hitting off the keeper at first.ONE-NIL.There was no further scoring although we had a few chances of the "easier to miss" category. 13 minutes into the second period and the contest was over. Some excellent midfield movement from McGarvey released Madden who made no mistake from close range.TWO-NIL.2 minutes later a perfect corner was met by McShane and it was THREE-NIL. We were running amok now and 3 minutes lapsed before McKenzie beat a half-hearted offside-trap,rounded the overworked goalie and stroked the ball into an empty net for FOUR-NIL.There was a 15 minute respite for the home defence before McKeown shrugged off a challenge and set McKenzie up for his hat-trick and FIVE-NIL. There was just enough time for Sexton to save a penalty given for hand-ball against Ross to round off a perfect day Match report by Frank Cassidy JOHNSTONE-Fulton,Campbell,Sherry,Turner,Smith,Armour,McKinnon,Wozencroft,McKelvie,McKenna,Brown. ARTHURLIE-Sexton,McKeown,Robertson,Ryan,McShane,Madden,Smith,McGarvey,McKenzie,Rae,Hobbs. SUBS-Ross,McCann,Travers,McGovern and trialist. REFEREE-Mr Anthony Law ASSISTANT REFEREES- J.McCrossan and T.Ventre. Cumnock 0 Arthurlie 4(McKenzie 2, Smith, Rae)
Full repeort will follow Arthurlie Sexton, McKeown, Travers (Hobbs 10), Smith
( McCann 80) McShane, Ross, Ryan, McGarvey, McKenzie (Downs 80), Rae,
Madden Pollok 1 Arthurlie 3(Smith, Ryan, Atchison OG)
It took Arthurlie only 11 minutes to open the scoring when Robert Downs hit a shot that was deflected on to the post and fell nicely for Bryan Smith to slam home past the stranded Wilson. 9 minutes later and the lead was doubled when Zander Ryan hit a low shot from 22 yards that skimmed past a couple of defenders on its way into the corner of the net.
The home side came more into the game in the last twenty minutes and gave Sexton a few scary moments but in all truth they never looked as if they believed they could win the match. Some outstanding performances for Arthurlie from Charlie Hobbs, a big favourite down in these parts, and Brian McKeown but man of the match by an absolute mile was Bryan Smith. Pollok: Wilson, O'Neil, M. McWilliams, Aitchison, Pacitti,
Nelson, Crozier (sub Arthurlie 4(McShane, Downs 3) Troon 3 Premier League 27-12-03 A cracker of a match that had just about everything as the sides shared seven goals and some sparkling play and when the dust settled it was Arthurlie who ended up on top. This outcome looked very unlikley in the 10 minute when Troons John Gallagher was given far too much space 25 yards out and he belted a screamer past Dean Sexton. From the kick off the visitors doubled their lead, a slack pass from Alan Rae put Marc McShane in trouble and his poor back pass was intercepted by Stephen Reid who danced past the keeper and knocked the ball into the empty net. McShane atoned for his error on 25 minutes when he rose unchallenged at the back post to head home McKenzies corner and it was game on. Arthurlie pushed hard for the equaliser but Troon were always dangerous on the break and they got back the 2 goal lead right on half time when Reid again netted, this time it was a wonderful finish as he lobbed the keeper from an acute angle.
Troon were far from out of it and Gallagher almost levelled the scores again when his shot beat Sexton but just whistled past the post. Sub Charlie Hobbs should have made the game safe but saw the big keeper save when he was through one on one, despite this miss Arthurlie held on to secure a truly memorable three points that saw them return to the top of the league. Games like this are why we watch junior football, two sides going all out to win, great goals, lots of drama and excitement, add to this a hat trick in 15 minutes and it was no wonder the fans were roaring their approval for just about the entire second half. Easy man of the match as Downsy scored one with his left one with his right and another with the head for a cracking hat trick, he looks back to his best after an indifferent start and there is no better sight than seeing him turn defenders and race down the line to set up chance after chance. Martin McGarvey had a great game and we hope the knock he took late on is nothing serious, Marc McShane recovered from a ropey start to have a smashing second half. Well done Arthurlie. Arthurlie Sexton, Ryan, Travers, McKeown, McShane, Smith,
Madden, McGarvey (Ross 85), Downs (Hobbs 77), Rae, McKenzie Arthurlie 4(Ryan, McShane, McKenzie, McGarvey)
Larkhall 1 (Thomson) Arthurlie kept up their fine run of form with a thoroughly
convincing dismantling of a Larkhall side still in transition after
the summer exodus that saw them lose almost a complete team. Marc McShane picked up a yellow card just after the half hour for a foul as Larkhall threatened to take the lead but 5 minutes after that he was in the refs book again for the right reason when he connected with McKenzie’s corner and headed powerfully home to restore the lead. Bryan Smith has been in a real purple patch of form recently and he was unlucky not to increase this lead when he shot just wide right on half time.
One more item of note came in the 80th minute when a challenge on sub Charlie Hobbs had the home fans screaming for a penalty and the chance to go nap but the referee was less than impressed and booked the striker for diving. A fantastic performance from Arthurlie with stars all over the park, once they got on top of Larkhall they played some wonderful football and could have scored more than the 4 goals they got. Alan Rae had a fine game in the centre along with Martin
McGarvey, another sterling performance from Marc McShane was immense
at the back but man of the match must go to Bonnar McKenzie, scored
a cracker and was involved in the other three. Larkhall Marshall, Smily, Graham, Kavanagh, Fisher, McCluskie, McGreever, Bovill, McFarlane, Thomson, Watson Thanks to Stephen Connelly for providing the facts for
this report
Kilwinning Rangers 2 Arthurlie 0 At a blustery Abbey park it was Kilwinning who deservedly took all three points that brought them level with Arthurlie at the top of the league. No complaints about the result as the buffs coped better with the terrible conditions and again defended superbly. Arthurlie 1(McKenzie pen) Johnstone Burgh 1 2 points dropped for Arthurlie as they were made to work by a determined Burgh side who took the lead 3minutes before the interval but Bonnar McKenzie's 62nd minute penalty ensured the spoils were shared. First real action saw Dean Sexton race from his goal to stop a Burgh raid but the keeper missed the ball and took out the striker, were it not for the fact that 2 'lie palyers were behind him he would have been sent off. Zander Ryan scorned a great chance for Arthurlie when Bonnar McKenzie put him through on Alan Donahue, a poor first touch and the chance was gone.
In between these two incidents Burgh took a desrved lead when a quick free kick caught the home defence sleeping and allowed McKelvie to slot past Sexton. The second half saw Arthurlie dominating possession but rarely threatening Donahue as Burgh dug in and tried to frustrate. The leveller arrived on 62 mins when Bryan Smith was tripped inside the box and McKenzie dispatched the pen with some style. With 10minutes remaining Frank Lynch sent on Alan Waddell
for his home debut but the striker lasted less than a minute after he
flung himself into a reckless challenge on McKelvie who retaliated by
head butting Waddell, the referee had no option but to send off both
players. ARTHURLIE-Sexton, Ryan, Travers, McKeown, McShane, Ross (Madden), Smith (Hobbs 62), McGarvey, McKenzie, Rae, Downs (Waddell). SUBS-McCann,Robertson,McGovern
Maryhill 2 (Essler, Watret) Arthurlie 1(Downs) Premier League 24-01-04 The first half of this match had very little to write about and the few chances created came Arthurlie`s way and we looked more comfortable as time wore on.The best of these fell to Robert Downs,who chipped the goalie on the half hour mark but saw his effort go just past the post.Downsie made amends however around 5 minutes before the break when he made space for himself and hit a crisp shot into the bottom corner to give Arthurlie a half time lead we just about deserved. As the teams reappeared for the second half two changes,one from each side,had been made.Brian Watret,who Arthurlie had tried to buy in the summer, was on for Maryhill.Bonar McKenzie had replaced Downs,who had suffered an ankle knock.One of these changes had a particularly crucial bearing on the final outcome as Watret set about harrassing the away defence and using his considerable body strength to good effect. The move bore fruit for them when he headed home the equaliser in 65 minutes. The game thretened to boil over on one or two occasions in the final 20 minutes as the yellow card was flourished freely and the inevitable red card was issued to Mark Ross.An unsavoury scene then occured as the Maryhill player who had been tackled made a recovery that would have baffled medical science. With 10 men now the league leaders were pinned back in their own box.5 minutes from the end Dean Sexton had a quite magnificent save from a shot which had goal written all over it.However,from the resultant corner they got the winner.Just to add to the frustration Martin McGarvey hit the bar with almost the last kick of the ball.It was not to be our day. MARYHILL-Black,Duncan,Essler,Smith,Miller,Hughes,Tinney,McClay,Porter,Grant,McCusker.
This match was played against a backdrop of the four seasons rolled into one .We had wind, rain, snow,hailstones ,blizzards and at one point (I kid you not!) we had to shade our eyes from the sun , it was shining so strong.It is to the players credit that the football on show was of such a high standard from both teams.This league has proved one thing , that the top Ayrshire teams can play a bit . Last season , against the smaller clubs from that neck of the woods got rather physical , on occasion. This was a game when two penalties were given , of the soft variety . Certainly the visitors` award came from a tackle which looked clearly outside the penalty box. The resultant penalty and goal gave Talbot a one goal lead at the interval.Arthurlie had their chances in this half , but so did Auchinleck,the game finely balanced at this point. Arthurlie came out the starting blocks quickly in the second half and equalised with a flying header from Charlie Hobbs.He rather enjoyed it and resisted the temptation to ask his critics in the crowd what they thought of that ! We started to get the upper hand then and controlled midfield and pinned their defence back for long periods. But , wouldn`t you know , they ventured up the park and scored a cracking goal from distance which curled in past Sexton.To our credit our heads did not go down and we were rewarded when we got a penalty with about 15 minutes left , which Charlie took with simple efficiency. Not the result we hoped for , to win a league you have to win at home , but there is still a lot of football to be played . Pollok travel to Auchinleck this Saturday and they have still to come to Dunterlie . ARTHURLIE- Sexton, McKeown, Robertson, Jack, McShane,Travers,
Ryan, McGarvey, Downs,Rae,Hobbs.
ARTHURLIE got back to winning ways on Saturday with a victory which was by a much bigger margin than the scoreline indicates.It was unlucky 13 for Troon when Brian McKeown (who went on to have a brilliant match) intercepted a loose ball in the 13th minute and sent an inviting cross.Robert Downs accepted the invitation and headed home the opener.Seven minutes later, in a repeat move Brian crossed only for Bryan Smith to see his shot saved. After a load of missed chances Troon tried to score for us when during a farcical mix-up, their defender put the ball out of play- about 3 inches over his own bar. Guess what ?.........5 minutes before half time Troon had a rare breakaway attack, and totally against the run of play,scored an equaliser. After the break,we came out with all guns blazing, and 5 minutes into the second half Charlie Hobbs scored after 3 or 4 shots in succession had rained down on the Troon goal.In the 65th minute the game was wrapped up when Gary Madden showed excellent composure to side-foot past the keeper, after Smith had set him up.The game was interupted from then on with silly niggles and bookings as the home side became more frustrated, as their supporters bayed for blood.With ten minutes left Downs and Hobbs were taken off for McKenzie and Waddell.A good day all round and we are still up there , and in with a shout. TROON - A.Strain,McLuckie,Watson,Stewart,Henry,Strachan,C.Strain,Duffy,Reid,Davidson,Gallacher SUBS-Houston,Graham,Haswell,Nolan ARTHURLIE- Sexton,McKeown,Robertson,Jack,McShane,Madden,Ryan,Smith,Downs,Rae,Hobbs. SUBS-McGovern(G/K),Waddell,McCann,Allison,McKenzie. REFEREE - Mr Chris Brawls Assistant Refs-R.McPhee and H McIntyre
Benburb 1 Arthurlie 4(McKenzie 2, Smith, Rae) IT was a stroll for Arthurlie - eventually. We had started well enough , scoring the first in 15 minutes when Charlie Hobbs shot home after a penalty area "stramash".On the half-hour mark Bryan Smith headed just past. From the bye-kick Benburb passed their way upfield and scored an equaliser, which was no more than they deserved at that point. Ten minutes into the second half Bonar McKenzie replaced Colin Robertson and we stepped up a gear. For a horrible moment we thought Marc McShane was going to be red-carded for an altercation with their forward. Thankfully, the guy kept his feet (How often do you see them going down as if shot in the head by a sniper`s bullet. Common sense prevailed and yellow was the punishment. We gradually gained the upper hand as our opponents wilted and we scored a further three goals. One from Bonar, a first for Alan Waddell and a header (the ball this time) from McShane got our defence of the Central League Cup off the ground. BENBURB - Watson, McKeown, MacMillan, Hughes, Sheridan, Brown, Canning, Curran, Cannon, McIntyre, McNicholl. SUBS- Casement, Johnstone, Allison. ARTHURLIE - Sexton, McKeown, Robertson, Jack, McShane, Madden, Ryan, Smith, Downs, Rae, Hobbs. SUBS - McGovern(G/K), McKenzie, Waddell, McCann, Allison. REFEREE - Steven Craven Assistant Refs- Martin O`Donnell and Elaine Dawson.
ARTHURLIE 3 NEILSTON 1 at Dunterlie Park on 28th Feb, 2004
ARTHURLIE- Sexton, McKeown, Robertson, Jack, McShane,
Madden, Ryan, Smith, Downs, Rae, McKenzie. ARTHURLIE 4 KILBIRNIE 0 at Dunterlie Park on 13th Mar, 2004 Another side visited Dunterlie fighting for their premier
league survival, this time it was Kilbirnie but there was little cheer
for the Ayrshire team as a second half onslaught sent them packing.
Johnstone 1 Arthurlie 2 - Central League Cup 2nd Round – 27.03.04 The highlight of this match was two superb goals from
Bonar. It was unlucky 13 for Burgh, when in the 13th minute he chipped
the defender and volleyed home from his own pass. His second, 10 minutes
before the break, was a forage into the penalty area, followed by an
unstoppable shot past ex-Arthurlie keeper Donahoe. TEAM- Sexton, McKeown, Travers, Jack, Allison, Ross,
Ryan, Smith, McKenzie, Rae, Waddell Cambuslang 2 Arthurlie 2 (4-2 pens) - Central League Cup 3rd Round- 17.04.04
TEAM- Sexton, McKeown, Travers, Jack, Allison, Ross,
Ryan, Smith, Downs, Rae, Hobbs. REF- Ramzan Bashir Asst Refs- S.Anderson and D.Bisland ARTHURLIE 2 POLLOK 0 24th April,2004 at Dunterlie Park. POLLOK POLISHED OFF NORMALLY it is the best strike force in junior football
of Downs and Bonar who can be expected to give us something out the
ordinary now and again. On Saturday it was a midfielder and full back
who scored two goals that were "top-drawer". For the first goal, after 10 minutes of the second half,
Marc Ross found himself in space in the `Lok area, and smashed an unstoppable
shot past the helpless keeper. Just as we were getting our feet back
on the ground, Brian McKeown went on a solo run starting from the half
way line. As the keeper came out Brian delicately chipped the ball over
him, and the roar of the home crowd must have been heard in Shawlands.
Arthurlie 1 Maryhill 0 - Premier League @ Dunterlie 03-05-04
Glenafton 0 Arthurlie 1(Smith) A large support from Barrhead descended on Loch Park more in hope than expectation as all Arthurlie could do was win the three points and hope Kilwinning lost at home to Cumnock. A poor 1st half display meant that Arthurlie had Dean Sexton to thank for heading in level at the break as the keeper made 2 great stops to deny Glenafton what would have been a deserved lead.
Frank Lynch went all out with 20 minutes remaining and sent on Alan Waddell fro Stuart Allison, it seemed a strange decision to take off Allison as he had been the games top defender but the swap was justified 5 minutes later when Waddell's pace saw him create space to cross for Bryan Smith to score from close range. The last action of note was Charlie Hobbs picking up a second yellow card for making a gesture to the home support after being subbed. Arthurlie held on but it was not to be as news filtered through of Kilwinning's second half comeback that meant they were champs and we had to settle for 2nd place. ARTHURLIE-Sexton, McShane, Ross, Jack, Alison (Waddell), Smith, Ryan (Robertson 7), McKeown, McKenzie, Rae, Hobbs (McCann 85) Subs McGovern, Madden
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