It’s a quick turnaround for Kevin Kelly’s side as they now must turn their attention to a massive game against high-flying Arthurlie FC after beating Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1-2 just 3 days ago. Arthurlie have been touted by most as title favourites this season after a great opening 14 games to the campaign, which leaves them in pole position to go on and top the division when all is said and done.
Formed in 1874, “The Lie” played their football as a senior side up until 1929, when financial issues led to the club having to give up its membership to the league in the 1928/29 season. The Barrhead based side have won the Scottish Junior Cup twice when they defeated Rob Roy 5-1 in 1937 and Pollok 4-0 in 1998. Their last major trophy came in 2015 when the club defeated who else but The Buffs 4-2 in the West of Scotland Cup final at Newlandsfield Park to lift the trophy for the 6th time in the club’s history. Buffs cult hero Roland Fabiani spent time playing at Dunterlie Park between his 2 spells at The Buffs. In recent years, The Lie have bounced between the WOSFL Premier and First Division, with the club undoubtably determined to regain their Premier Division status, which was lost last season, heading into the next campaign.
Arthurlie have clearly been the division’s standout performers so far this season, with the club earning 32 points after just 14 games this season, winning 10 of those and only losing twice. Their excellent form leaves them sitting just 1 point off the league-leading 4 whilst also holding at least 4 games in hand on their promotion challengers, even as many as 6 games in hand on Renfrew FC. Arthurlie have backed their league form up with some incredible results in the cup, which include wins against both title holders and current league leaders of the WOSFL Premier Division, Beith Juniors and Clydebank FC. The Lie have also beaten other Premier Division clubs, Troon FC and Gartcairn, on their cup exploits this season. Arthurlie have only actually been beaten by 1 club in the league this season, Rutherglen Glencairn, who have defeated The Lie twice by scorelines of 3-2 and, more recently, 1-4. The most impressive part of The Lie’s game this season has been their stout defensive record, with the club managing to keep 7 clean sheets from 14, the most of any club, whilst only conceding a total of 13 in the league. Going forward, the strike force of Arthurlie have also proved hard to stop, with forwards Mark Taylor and Aaron Healy scoring 8 each, which has contributed greatly to Arthurlie’s total of 35 goals scored so far this campaign. Ex Buffs player Conor Bolger could make an appearance against his old club after the winger signed for Arthurlie following a short spell at The Buffs during David Gormley’s tenure.
If The Buffs are hoping to rebuild the unbeaten run they recently lost, they will need to become only the 4th club to take points off The Lie in the league. this season which will obviously be a very hard task considering the visitors’ recent form and the Buffs’ current injury issues, especially in midfield. A win for either side would take them to the top of the division come the end of the game and would also be a big statement of intent to all other competitors who are currently sniffing around the promotion spots.
