UPS AND DOWNS OF THE PREMIER DIVISION

JORDAN WILLING TO PLAY THROUGH THE PAIN BARRIER

Arthurlie have to show they have learned their lessons when heading down to take on Auchinleck Talbot tomorrow.

So says the Barrhead club’s team boss Colin Reilly following on from the Dunterlie clash of the two teams on Wednesday night which saw Talbot run out emphatic 3-0 winners.

Michael Wardrope and Ally Park first half scores along with a second half counter from Ross Taylor putting a damaging dent in his side’s hopes of avoiding the drop has Reilly urging his troops to avoid taking another one to the chin down in the Ayrshire heartland.

“It’s no exaggeration to say we gave ourselves an uphill task by starting away so badly “ admitted the one time Dundee United signing ,

“I can hardly say otherwise seeing as we conceded a goal in just 48 seconds, and I’ve no doubts that taking such an early kick to the teeth while at the same time giving Auchinleck a boost was a blow from which we never recovered if truth be told.

The straight talking Lie gaffer went on to add ,“Yes we might have equalized when their goalkeeper denied Gary Carroll after he was through one on one but over the piece we were a poor second best and didn’t deserve to take anything from the game.

“Auchinleck played things very direct helped considerably by the fact their players were extremely mobile and energetic every time there was a second ball to be won whereas our guys appeared to be more reactive to what was going on around them and that’s just not like us .”

Midfield playmaker Jordan Leyden who was left with a chipped bone in his jaw in the aftermath of Wednesday’s defeat has declared himself fit and ready to play so Reilly reports no injury concerns for the second of his side’s Talbot double –header.

He said, “ I take my hat off to the Auchinleck players who are very good at what they do in terms of pressurizing opponents but I’d like to think our guys will take lessons on board from Wednesday and show we are not lacking for the same hunger and desire.

“Our approach will certainly be different down in their backyard and here’s hoping the result is too.”

Arthurlie’s midweek reverse combined with fellow relegation contenders Kilwinning Rangers chalking up a 3-0 victory over Cambuslang Rangers just 24 hours earlier (Gavin Miller, Keiren Wood and Mark Lamont were on target) has really set the cat among the pigeons in the fight for Premier Division survival which could take a further twist for the better or worse tonight should the Chris Aitken steered Kilwinning come out on top at home to Clydebank.

Eight defeats on the spin has bottom markers Cambuslang looking certainties for the drop, even though safety remains a mathematical possibility for now, but it’s anyone’s guess as to the identity of the two teams taking a tumble with them , albeit Arthurlie, Kilwinning ,Petershill and Rob Roy continue to be the names mentioned in relegation despatches.

It therefore follows that third bottom of the table Petershill, two points adrift of Arthurlie from having played two games more, must take something from today’s hosting of a Glenafton side, whose 3-2 midweek triumph over Clydebank is a clear indication that Ryan Stevenson and his playing charges are fully recovered from their recent Scottish Junior Cup demise at the hands of Cumnock.

Rob Roy are seeking a third consecutive league win that could all but guarantee their safety when awaiting the visit to Guys Meadow of a Darvel side , reeling from this week’s resignation of gaffer Mick Kennedy yet sitting second top of the standings and still nursing hopes of finishing as champions should six points better off league leaders Beith falter over a run-in that includes a trip to Recreation Park in a fortnight’s time.

Determined not to give his side’s nearest challengers even a slight glimmer of hope is Beith boss Chris Strain who is demanding no slackening of the standards that have seen his playing charges win fifteen and draw one of their last 16 league outings.

And he has already drawn up the battle lines for welcoming Troon to Bellsdale tomorrow by insisting the tenth placed top flight club represent a huge obstacle for his side.

Said Strainy,” We only got the better of Troon by a single goal at their place in what was as tough a game as we’ve had all season and there’s no reason to think it will be any easier tomorrow.

“Would I take another 1-0 victory ? Of course because much as I like to win in the right manner, we’re at the stage of the season where grinding out results is an essential requirement for a team in our position.

“ Seven times we’ve won by the odd goal in this crazy run of ours so I’ll gladly bite your hand off for an eighth if you offered me it now.

“ A lot of people are saying the title is ours to lose now but we have 5 very tough matches yet to play starting with Troon and we will need to win three of them to be guaranteed top spot so there can be no letup in our approach to each and every game.

“ Up to now, our mantra has been to get three points in the bag to see where it gets us and nothing has changed in that respect.”

STRAINY’S TAKING ONE GAME AT A TIME MANTRA

While delighted at his players showing a capacity to shut the back door when needed , Strain picked out forward going pair Josh Fowler and Andy Monk for a special mention.

He lauded, “For two young and relatively inexperienced guys, Josh and Andy have made a great fist of bearing the brunt of our scoring responsibility.

“Josh is arguably the more dynamic because of his blistering pace but Andy is no slouch himself when it comes to running in behind defenders and has a great first touch into the bargain , making him the ideal foil for Josh .

“Andy’s career was going nowhere after spells with BSC and then Blantyre Vics however my old Irvine Meadow team mate Stevie Swift said there was a player there so we took a chance on bringing him on board and from day one he’s been a revelation and is someone who is getting better with every game he plays.

”Since our last game ,they and the rest of the guys have endured an unfortunate ten day break which has presented problems insofar as keeping everyone focused and I just hope we can start from where we left off .”

Elsewhere in the top flight , Scottish Junior Cup finalists Cumnock await the visit to Townhead Park of Irvine Meadow where nothing other than pride is at stake and the same goes for the Barrfields clash of Largs Thistle v Hurlford United.

Not so in the First Division stakes, where new pole position occupiers Gartcairn (by virtue of a Jordan Love goal earning all three points against Shotts Bon Accord on Wednesday) have home advantage for facing erstwhile frontrunners Benburb in what promises to be a cracker of a contest.

Three games without a win has led to fifth placed Drumchapel United slipping off the pace but they will be going all out to get their promotion challenge back on track when playing host to third top St Cadocs, four points better off than the Drum from having played two matches more.

PLAYING TOMORROW (Kick Offs 2PM unless stated) P.D.M.Buildbase Premier Division. Kilwinning Rangers v Clydebank, Auchinleck Talbot v Arthurlie, Beith v Troon, Largs Thistle v Hurlford Utd, Petershill v Glenafton, Pollok v Cambuslang Rangers,Rob Roy v Darvel Cumnock v Irvine Meadow.

PDM Buildbase First Division. Gartcairn v Benburb, Thorniewood Utd v Rossvale, Blantyre Vics v Cumbernauld Utd , St Rochs v Rutherglen Glencairn, Drumchapel Utd v St Cadocs, Shotts Bon Accord v Bonnyton Thistle, Neilston v Whitletts Vics, Kilbirnie Ladeside v Johnstone Burgh.PDM Buildbase Second Division. Glasgow Utd v Greenock, Kilsyth Rangers v Wishaw, Yoker Athletic v Ashfield, Glasgow University v St Anthonys (Tonight 8PM), Maryhill v Forth Wanderers, Glasgow Perthshire v Craigmark, Maybole v Renfrew. PDM Buildbase Third Division. Port Glasgow v Saltcoats Vics, Lanark Utd v Newmains Utd, Carluke Rovers v Bellshill Athletic, Kello Rovers v Lesmahagow, Vale of Leven v Finnart, Dalry Thistle v Irvine Vics, Larkhall Thistle v Girvan, East Kilbride Thistle v Royal Albert, Vale of Clyde v Lugar Boswell.PDM Buildbase Fourth Division Campbelltown Pupils v Thorn Athletic BSC Glasgow v Rossvale Academy.

Regards

Jim O’Donnell