MATCH REPORT: BEITH 4-2 ARTHURLIE

Saturday 14 October 2023 14:00

South Challenge Cup Round 2

Beith 4-2 Arthurlie

Scorers

Beith: Monti (10), Rossiter (15), Diver (56), Manan (90)

Arthurlie: Dykes (pen 76), Bolger (82)

Bellsdale Park, Beith

IT was a break from league action this weekend for Arthurlie as they travelled over to Beith for the second round of the South Challenge Cup against the reigning West of Scotland League champions.

Having suffered a heavy defeat on their last visit to Bellsdale Park, the Barrhead men were looking for a marked improvement this time around, and they certainly played their part in serving up a hugely entertaining cup tie, even if the North Ayrshire side still ran out the eventual winners.

Arthurlie’s chances were dealt a blow just 10 minutes before kick-off, however, when Michael MacNeil aggravated an old injury and was replaced in the starting eleven by Sam Greenwood.

Despite the adjustments, it was the visitors who started the brightest and Conor Bolger’s early cross from the right was crying out for a touch, but evaded everyone and eventually found its way to safety.

Despite the promising opening, however, Beith were in front after only 10 minutes, Carlo Monti turning home a cutback from the left from 12 yards.

Five minutes later the lead was doubled, Conner McGlinchey forcing Max Clarke into a save from distance, and when the rebound was struck against the post, Blair Rossiter was on hand to put the ball into the back of the net.

Arthurlie were still looking lively and Dylan McGuigan had a great chance to pull a goal back on 18 minutes but with only Owen Stott to beat he sent his effort straight at the Beith goalkeeper.

Bolger had another chance for ‘Lie on 35 minutes when he was played in by Jordan Leyden, but after making his way into the box he decided to cut the ball back rather than shooting and Beith safely cleared.

It was nearly 3-0 five minutes later when Rossiter turned provider with a ball across goal to Ciaran Diver, but the striker failed to get a touch before it rolled out of play.

With half-time fast approaching Arthurlie finished the half as they had started it, looking lively and posing Beith plenty of problems.

Bolger had another chance to pull a goal back on 43 minutes, creating space for himself with a stylish pirouette, but Stott managed to divert his effort wide with his feet.

A minute later Dylan Dykes then came close, meeting a corner from the left at the back post but seeing his header come back off the bar.

Leyden also had an effort saved as ‘Lie threw everything at the Beith defence but the home side managed to withstand the pressure to maintain their two goal advantage.

That lead was extended 11 minutes after the break when Rossiter took advantage of a slip-up by Mo Sugufara and set up Diver who wrong footed Clarke with a shot down the middle.

Clarke was called into action to keep the score at 3-0 in the 71st minute after substitute Ryan Monan latched on to a slip by Lewis Magee and raced through on goal, the visiting goalkeeper standing up well and diverting the effort to safety.

Arthurlie were handed a lifeline with 14 minutes remaining when Conor Bolger was upended after racing into the box between two defenders. Dykes stepped up and made no mistake from the spot-kick, sending the ball into the bottom left corner.

Six minutes later the deficit was reduced to a single goal, Dylan Fletcher flicked on a cross to find Bolger at the back post and he made no mistake with a stunning volley into the roof of the net.

With injury time underway though, the game was put beyond doubt when Monan beat the offside trap and knocked the ball past Clarke before tapping into the empty net.

Arthurlie team: Clarke, Sugufara, Kerr (Fletcher 60), Magee, Greenwood (Kangni-Soupke 78), Roulston, Docherty (c), Leyden, McGuigan, Bolger, Dykes

Subs not used: McPherson, Bradley, Strain, McKinven (GK)

Beith team: Stott, McGlinchey, Scott, Rough, O’Neill, Hughes (Emordi 86), Monti, Frize (c) (Scullion 57), Diver (Monan 66), Rossiter (Burns 86), McWilliams

Subs not used: Monk, Walker (GK)