Departing star Aaron Healy stayed true to his word – that he’d continue to give his all for Arthurlie by netting a sublime late winner against Beith Juniors.
The rapid 19-year-old winger went into the game full of confidence after agreeing an impressive move to high-flying Championship side Queen’s Park.
The teenager insisted he would give 100 per cent in his remaining games for the Barrhead club before making the switch to Owen Coyle’s side in January.
And he delivered the knockout blow in injury time at Dunterlie Park to secure all three points – nutmegging his opponent before curling in a sweet strike to spark a huge touchline celebration.
Delighted Arthurlie boss Craig Palmer told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “I said last week that Aaron is a special talent and it was fitting he got the late winner against Beith.
“People just can’t deal with him when he’s running at them. He’s so quick and his close control is exceptional.
“I was a full-back and I know how hard it is to face someone like that. I’d have probably been taking an early booking against him myself!
“They were kicking lumps out of him all game but he didn’t react. He just kept on running at them and he got his just rewards in the end.
“It wasn’t just Aaron, though, the rest of my boys were brilliant as well. Dale Simeon took his goal well and the build up to the last goal was very nice football with five sharp passes initially to open them up.
“I was pleased with our overall performance. Our keeper’s only had one or two saves to make all game. I thought we thoroughly deserved the win.”
The victory sent Arthurlie up to 10th spot in the Premier Division table – just three points off Hurlford who sit in fourth.
After a difficult start to the season, Palmer believes his side now have nothing to fear going forward after winning their last four top-flight games on the bounce.
He said: “We’ve lost a couple of cup games recently and, hands up, we were poor in those, but we’re doing well now in the league.
“If we didn’t get that three-point deduction we’d be sitting joint-fourth. The recent form shows we can have an impact in the top flight.
“We’ve got four games left now until Christmas and I’ve challenged the guys to pick up maximum points.
“There’s no reason why we can’t achieve that, then kick on and have a brilliant second half of the season.”
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here
