The sun was splitting the pavement as we left Shotts with the kit but by the time the team bus arrived an hour or so later the rain was on and it meant business.

Tony McInally elected to go with the same starting formation for the third game in a row and while Arthurlie reported a few niggling injuries they remained huge favourites to lift the Sectional League Cup again this year.

Shotts had the first chance as McLaughlin sprinted clear of the defence but faced with the lurking presence of Parry in goal he skelped the ball wide of the post. While on the one hand it wouldn't have been wise to have gone one up in the second minute (far too early for the nerves), on the other Shotts have proved themselves very difficult to penetrate when holding on to a lead...

No matter, Arthurlie had received an early warning and now set about their task with a gusto. Johnston hit the post then the Barrhead men were awarded a free kick ten yards in front of the penalty area in the ninth minute. Everyone knew about the aerial prowess of Arthurlie's big men but McKeown was allowed a free header which sailed across Brown into the net.

The Bon Accord defence battled gamely against the continued onslaught but time and again Brown had to come to the rescue so they were still in it (just) when Barker and Gallacher went for what looked like a 50/50 ball near the centre line. Neither gave way and the Arthurlie defender went down with a serious injury which resulted in him being stretchered off and taken to hospital. The Shotts youngster got a red card which incensed the Shotts dug-out right in front of whose collective eyes the incident had happened. It seemed a harsh punishment for a clash between two determined players.

Now the Bon Accord's task was virtually impossible. Barker's recent form (and outstanding goals) have been indispensable and, without him working away in midfield, things would be tough.

As you would expect, Arthurlie continued to set the tone before and after the interval and Brown was again called on to make some great saves to keep the score respectable. Kevin Barr came on, and a little later Billy Russell, and things got a little better for the Bon Accord but Parry was never seriously bothered although his defenders had to work hard to snuff out the Shotts forwards in the latter stages.

Arthurlie were the first club to retain the SLC in its history and theirs was a fully deserved victory but lots of credit to all the Shotts players who worked hard and showed lots of determination to show that their role was not that of sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.

We sincerely hope Gallacher makes a speedy recovery. Best wishes to him and good luck to Arthurlie for the rest of the season.