MATCH REPORT: ARTHURLIE 5-0 BEITH

Saturday 11 May 2024 14:00

WoSFL Premier Division

Arthurlie 5-0 Beith

Scorers: Anson (2, 13, 50, 54), McGuigan (36)

Dunterlie Park, Barrhead

LESS than 24 hours after relegation was confirmed by Glenafton’s victory over Cumnock on the Friday night, Arthurlie ended the league season in spectacular fashion with an incredible 5-0 win over Champions Beith.

It was only 2 minutes into the game when big Scott Anson gave them the lead, continuing his great run of form when he flicked a Tam McGaughey cross low past Owen Stott into the net.

The home side were dealt a blow on 12 minutes, however, when Lewis Magee was forced off following a hefty collision on the left side of the area and had to be replaced by Jordan Duncan.

Just a minute later ‘Lie doubled their lead, Scott Anson grabbing a second when he bundled home a loose ball from close range.

Immediately from kick-off, Beith went on the attack and Robbie Scullion thought he’d pulled one back with a shot from 12 yards, but Max Kerr somehow diverted the ball on to the bar and it was cleared to safety.

McGaughey came close to adding a third on 19 minutes after great work from Kerr, but after latching on to the winger’s through ball he saw his powerful effort well saved by the right-foot of Stott.

Five minutes into the second half Anson grabbed his hat-trick, slipping the ball past Stott from 8 yards after a lovely headed knockdown from substitute Ciaran McPherson.

Another five minutes followed and Anson had his fourth, taking advantage of some slack defending and acres of space to poke the ball home from a similar distance to his third.

With 63 minutes on the clock, Beith cracked the woodwork for a second time, a corner from the right finding it’s way to Andy Monk at the edge of the area who thundered a shot off the crossbar.

The remainder of the game seemed to be spent with both teams saving themselves for future endeavours: Beith for their summer break, and ‘Lie for the Scottish Junior Cup final in three weeks time.

The two teams were enthusiastically applauded off the park when the game came to a close and, despite their relegation being confirmed, Arthurlie will surely go into that game with Darvel at the start of June full of confidence off the back of this win and their recent excellent form.

Arthurlie team: Black (Clarke 56), Magee (Duncan 12), MacNeil, Wharton (Eadie 56), Kerr, McGuigan, Bolger (McPherson 46), McGaughey, Docherty (c), Anson (Fletcher 56), Dykes

Subs not used: Roulston

Beith team: Stott, Emordi (Frize 46), Noble (c), Findlay (Dunne 56), Rough (O’Neill 56), Lind (Monk 46), Mason, Scullion, Docherty, McWilliams (Diver 46), Wilson

Subs not used: Burns, McLellan (GK)