Colin Reilly saluted never-say-die Arthurlie after they took a huge step forward to safety with an injury-time victory.
On a dramatic afternoon as jeopardy and tension filled the air at sun-soaked Dunterlie, Kilwinning Rangers thought they had done just enough to secure a point on Saturday.
Arthurlie’s Gary Carroll opened the scoring and went on to miss a first-half penalty before Ally McColm equalised for the Buffs after the break.
The visitors were numerically disadvantaged in the 65th minute when Kenny Marshall was sent-off for after picking up a second booking for cleaning out Dale Simeon.
However, it looked as if they had held on for a share of the spoils until substitute Gary Smith touched home at the near post to give Arthurlie a priceless win.
Reilly, appointed ‘Lie boss a month ago, has his team two points clear of the West of Scotland League Premier Division relegation zone with five games left.
“It’s always nice to win in the last minute but it was frustrating at the same time after having two goals chalked off and missing a penalty,” he told Renfrewshire Live Sport.
“But I thought that showed the character of the boys. This was all them. They have bought into what we’re trying to do and have a never-say-die attitude.
“There’s a lot of quality in that changing room. We always feel like we can score a goal and we believe these boys can get us out of this.
“Gary’s [Carroll] performance was outstanding and he fought like a demon.
“It was a massive relief to see the goal go in at the end. We had done our homework and knew how to hurt them. We got there in the end.”
‘Lie opened the scoring in the 18th minute when a superb reverse pass from Lee Roulston set free Carroll, who found the top corner of the net.
But Carroll blazed a penalty over the bar after keeper Ally McInnes brought down Max Kerr in the box.
Carroll had a goal ruled out for offside before Buffs levelled when McColm netted at the second attempt.
Midfielder Marshall was red-carded for Buffs, then Michael MacNeil thought he’d won it for the hosts in the 86th minute but the goal was disallowed.
However, Smith converted from a Simeon cross to clinch the points for ‘Lie in the dying stages.
Arthurlie are back in action again tonight with Ayrshire giants Auchinleck Talbot the visitors to Dunterlie (6.45pm kick-off).
The two sides then lock horns again at Beechwood Park this weekend.
“There is a massive willingness to win in there and there is that hunger,” Reilly said. “Nobody wants a relegation on their CV. We’re fighting for ourselves but also for the club.
“Results went our way and it’s one step in the right direction. We just need to build on this and take it into the game on Wednesday night.
“It’s a massive game and we will go into it with loads of belief.
“We will give Talbot that respect but we are down there fighting for our lives and will give it everything we can.
“We will give it a go. We will play our football and play our style – we won’t change what we do.”
Reilly has been delighted with the attitude and application of the squad since he became the club’s third permanent manager of the season.
He added: “The players have been outstanding and have worked really hard. Ask any of them and they will say the intensity and the fitness levels are getting better every week.
“That’s what we demand – and we put high demands on them. We won’t go down without a fight.”
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