Arthurlie 2-0 Lesmahagow Juniors – 9 October 2021 – WoSFL Conference A

By Frank Cassidy

ARTHURLIE notched up another win to consolidate their position as title contenders in an intriguing match.

Had they taken all their first half chances the game would have been over by half time but they were denied by some dogged defending.

It was backs-to-the-wall for the visitors as The ‘Lie launched attack after attack with Darren Ramsay coming close after eight minutes.

His thunderous shot blasted its way through a ruck of players in a packed penalty area, but was inches past the post.

Former fans’ favourite, Andy McFadden, was not so popular when he clattered keeper James Scott after chasing a long ball.

At the other end, Tam McGaughey beat several players before sending over a cross which Gary Carroll just failed to connect with.

Both McGaughey and Andy McLaughlin then tested keeper Jordan Brown with long range shots but he saved well.

Michael MacNeil joined the attack with a solo run which led to a corner as the pressure on the visitors intensified.

Eventually it paid off in the 40th minute when Brown couldn’t hold a Nad Zeb shot and Lee Roulston pounced to open the scoring.

Having made two personnel changes at half-time, Lesmahagow looked more dangerous in attack and almost drew level in 54 minutes.

Lewis Hill forced a corner after a defensive mix-up and hit the bar when he latched onto the resultant cross into the box.

The match became more of a contest with both sides creating scoring opportunities until Arthurlie began to gain the upper hand.

Jordan Leyden pinged a ball onto the head of Carroll but his header was off target, before goal number two was scored.

Eight minutes were left when Ramsay netted from outside the box with an exquisite finish over the heads of the entire visiting defence.

Scorers: Roulston & Ramsay

Arthurlie team: Scott, Zeb, Mackay (Gebbie 49), Pearce, MacNeil, Roulston, Ramsay, McLaughlin (Trialist 84), Leyden, Carroll (Smith 79), McGaughey

Subs not used: Brogan, Green, MacLeod, Black (GK)