Arthurlie started their pre season friendlies with a 3-1 defeat to lower league opponents Clydebank. The Barrhead side could however claim some solace in the defeat from the fact that newly appointed ‘Lie coach Jim McQuade has just left the Bankies who are managed by ex ‘Lie player Budgie McGee and newly appointed assistant Stuart Allison. Clydebank also included in their ranks other ex Dunterlie players in Ryan Scobie, John Jack, Gary Lynn, and Alan Jack. A strong link between the clubs exists and incidentally this was also Clydebanks first victory over ‘Lie in five attempts.

Although missing regulars John Johnston, Craig Malcolm, Martin Hughes, David Williams, Stephen Gallacher, and new signing David Craig due to a mixture of holiday commitments and injury the Barrhead side started reasonably well well.

I must point out that on the day Arthurlie fielded a team that included three players who are at this moment trialists for the club. The management of Arthurlie have requested that until any player is signed they will not be named thus you will see mentions of trialists in this report.

The first fifteen minutes resulted in a first class display of passing and movement from the Barrhead side with the trialist1 at right back showing up well. It wasn’t however until the 20th minute that Arthurlie had their first chance. Stephen Anderson showed great vision to release trialist2 playing in attack and his side footed effort seemed goal bound but for the out stretched hand of Stefan Gonet the Clydebank keeper. Gonet could only parry it however and when the ball broke back to trialist he lashed the ball high over the top with the on in rushing Anderson screaming for a square ball which seemed the better option.

The Barrhead side did take the lead on 38 minutes. A long ball down the wing seemed harmless enough as John Cunningham had plenty time to clear. Inexplicitly though he played the ball square across his own area only to see trialist2 run on and tap the ball past Gonet to atone for his earlier miss. Just before the break trialist crossed for trialist3 but he headed over.

An hour in to the game saw the goal of the game and possibly the best that will be seen at Dunterlie all season. Alan Jack stepped up for a free kick 25 yards out or was it 30? It was a distance to be sure! He however had only one thing in his mind as he sent a left footed curler into the net. Jacko maybe had the wind in his favour but the degree of skill shown was fantastic. Further goals from Martin McIntyre on 75 minutes and Kevin Proctor 6 minutes later wrapped up a well deserved victory for the Bankies.

As for Arthurlie’s new arrivals, James Lundie looked solid enough in central defence but it would be unfair to judge until he shifts into the full back position he was signed with in mind. Derek Scrimigour in goals didn’t have much chance with any and will prove a great signing both in a coaching and playing capacity. It was obvious to anyone at the game that Stephen Anderson isn’t anywhere near the fitness required to play at the top level of junior football at the moment. What was also very evident was that he has bags of talent, bags of heart and will have a huge say how Arthurlie do this season when he gets himself match fit. John McLay, he showed some clever touches and wasn’t afraid to put his foot in where it hurts. I think most would agree that he will prove a good addition to the team be it in a midfield or striking role this season.

Arthurlie Shaw, Lundie, Sharp, McKeown, McGregor, McLay, McPhee, Winter, Anderson, Wallace, McLean; Subs Flannery, McFadden, Lygate, Baxter, Scrimigour.

report Robert Burns