Duncan Sinclair has asked the Arthurlie faithful for some patience after his side fell to a ‘sickening’ 1-0 defeat at home to bitter rivals Neilston at the weekend - their fifth defeat on the bounce.

After a fairly decent start to their 2019/2020 West Region Championship campaign, Sinclair’s men have hit a rough patch of form beginning with a shock 2-1 loss to Craigmark Burntonians.

A Scottish Junior Cup exit to Beith and league losses against Cumbernauld and Darvel followed as pressure began to mount on the management team.

Saturday’s derby loss to the Farmer’s Boys was the final straw for many of the Lie fans who have since been vocal on social media.

However, Sinclair has asked for some patience and firmly believes his side will turn their season around.

READ MORE: Lie lose again as Sinclair vows to get promotion bid back on track

Speaking to Barrhead Sport, he said: “That really was a sickener. It was a game we should have wrapped up in the first-half as we played well.

“We dominated and were excellent for the 35 minutes but didn’t take the chances we created.

“We hit the bar and squandered a few before the break before Neilston come out better at half-time and make it a real battle.

“To go on and lose that goal in the last few minutes was an absolute killer for us as we really didn’t deserve that - we’re just not getting the rub of the green at this moment in time.

“We should have taken something from Craigmark, Cumbernauld, Darvel and definitely something from Neilston at the weekend but we’ve let those games pass us by.

“The frustrating thing is we know the team is more than capable. We know we’ve got it in us. I don’t know if it’s a lack of confidence throughout the squad as we played well and battled well on Saturday.

“It’s not a lack of effort from the players or the management I can assure the fans of that. We’re talking to the players individually and in groups so we’re trying all we can to arrest this situation and bring the losing run to a halt.

READ MORE: Arthurlie gaffer demanding improvements ahead of Darvel clash

“We know we need to wins games to keep the fans on side, there’s no getting away from that. I’m not stupid, I’ve been in this game a very long time. We need to start winning these games, it’s as simple as that.”

Next up, Lie take on high-flying Renfrew who are up challenging in the promotion spots.

Sinclair added: “Renfrew are a top, top team. There’s no getting away from it.

“We need to use the disappointment from the Neilston match to push us on. The boys need to think about how low they all were after that result and use it this Saturday coming.”

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