Relegation fears loom large for ’Lie

May 19 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ARTHURLIE 0PETERSHILL 2

ARTHURLIE’S relegation play-off fears came back to haunt them with a disappointing result at home to Petershill.

In a scrappy affair at Dunterlie, Arthurlie wasted an opportunity to end the possibility of being dragged into the relegation play-offs as the Glasgow side gained three points to end their season with goals either side of half time.

‘Peasy’ made their intentions known from the start with Shaun Fraser and Kieran McAleenan going close.

This followed good play from the experienced Steve Dallas, who was leading the line well for the visitors.

Arthurlie were struggling to create openings.

Their cause was not aided by the loss of in-form striker Craig Malcolm.

He had to be replaced midway through the first half after suffering a knock.

George Wallace did produce a good save from Neil Parry when he broke into space in the box and Pedram Ardalany produced Arthurlie’s best effort of the opening period.

But the deadlock was broken with a header from Gerry Joyce.

Jamie Coulter’s free kick found him in space in the penalty area a minute before the break with slack marking to blame for giving him the space he needed to put the ball away.

Coulter added a second, four minutes into the second period, following good work from Martin Laughlan.

Petershill hung on to claim a top four finish.

However Arthurlie are still awaiting other results to go in their favour.

If this doesn’t happen then they may require a point in their last league match to ensure a stay in the top-flight without the dreaded play-offs.

Arthurlie await a set date for their remaining league fixture, which will see them travel to Auchinleck Talbot.

Meanwhile, the ’Lie have been drawn at home in the opening round of the Cup Winners Cup to the winners of the Premier League.

This means they could either be playing Irvine Meadow, Beith, Pollok or even Auchinleck Talbot.