MATCH REPORT: MARYHILL 1-6 ARTHURLIE

18 August 2021 – WoSFL Conference A

By Frank Cassidy

ARTHURLIE bounced back from their weekend disappointment with a comprehensive win at Lochburn Park.

Following a flurry of half-chances at both ends, Arthurlie showed they meant business when Nad Zeb’s cut back found Jordan Leyden, whose shot was blocked.

They emphasised the point after 20 minutes when keeper Garry Black couldn’t hold a Lee Roulston power-driver allowing Dale Simeon to expertly chip him for 1-0.

Tam McGaughey was desperately unlucky with a free-kick, conceded by Black outside the box, which clipped the bar before Simeon also came close with a shot.

Black hadn’t learned his lesson and was caught in no-man’s-land in the 32nd minute with Simeon taking full advantage as the keeper scrambled back to his line.

This was more like the Arthurlie that had started the season so well and a sensational strike from McGaughey made it 3-0 shortly after, thanks to a sublime Gary Carroll pass.

The home side might have reduced the leeway when Jay McInally broke into the box but James Scott ‘made himself big’ to divert the danger.

Just before the break, his counterpart Black made a diving save to push a goalbound shot from Darren Ramsay round the post.

Scott was beaten at the near post two minutes into the second half after Matt Meechan had set up McInally as The ‘Lie were caught cold.

Normal service was resumed 10 minutes later though when penalty king Carroll made it 4-1 after Black brought down McGaughey in the box.

There was no let up as a Leyden long range strike was blocked and, from the resultant corner taken by Simeon, Gary Smith headed home.

At the other end, Craig Patterson was inches away from pulling a goal back, when he stuck out a foot to try and redirect a wayward shot.

It was to prove costly as Arthurlie launched a breakaway and Simeon laid a perfect pass on for Smith to fire in number six.

Arthurlie team – Scott, Zeb, Ramsay, Nolan, McFarlane (MacNeil 62), Roulston, Carroll (McLaughlin 67), Leyden, Smith, Simeon, McGaughey.. Sub not used – Pirie (GK)

Goalscorers: Simeon (2), McGaughey, Carroll, Smith (2)