Neilston co-manager Martin Campbell insists his side’s tough pre-season fixture list will benefit them in the long run after the Farmer’s Boys battled to a hard-fought win against West Premiership side Beith Juniors on Saturday. 

The Brig ‘O Lea side did well to earn a 4-4 draw with Beith before winning the Hugh Blair Trophy in a penalty shoot-out and Campbell is adamant, unlike the majority of managers at this time of year, that the results are just as important as the performances.

Campbell’s side lined up a tough pre-season schedule deliberately with matches against St Andrews, Beith and Hurlford and he reckons testing themselves against some of the top junior sides in the country can only be a good thing. 

He said: “I’m definitely happy with that win against Beith. We always try to preach to the boys about good habits and if you get into a winning habit early on, especially against teams like Beith and against St Andrews last week, then that has to be a good thing. 

“At this time of year we always try and test ourselves against the top junior teams and that’s exactly what we’ve done so far. Playing against lesser opposition doesn’t help you. We’ve had two good results so far so hopefully that will stand us in good stead heading into the League Cup at the weekend and then our league campaign.”

Continuing their tough pre-season schedule tonight against Hurlford, Campbell admits that there is always a risk in playing the top teams but remains confident that his side can handle it.

He said: “Hurlford have made some good signings so that will be another good test tonight. I don’t see the benefit of us playing lesser opposition. Sometimes in the back of your mind you’re a bit scared that taking a hiding will put the boys’ heads down but it’s not been like that at all so far. It’s been a good pre-season and the boys have set a good standard.”

Midfielder Alan Frizzell in particular reached that high standard expected at the club at the weekend with an impressive hat-trick. Usually deployed on the right hand-side of midfield, Frizzel asked to have a go up front on Saturday and took his chance. 

Frizzel and the rest of the squad’s eagerness to challenge themselves in new positions and give the management team a selection headache has especially pleased Campbell. 

“Alan’s has been nipping our ears to get a shot up front,” Campbell added. “I know he used to play there when he was younger but we’ve had him on the right hand side of midfield. We gave him a shot up front and we’re happy we did with him repaying us by getting a hat-trick. I’m pretty sure he’ll be at us to get another shot up there now but that’s what you want.

“Myself and John have been at Neilston for three seasons now and we’ve always said competitions for places is key. All the boys battling to get in the team can only be a good thing. If the boys think they’re guaranteed a game that’s when it can fall apart but we’ve got three guys fighting for one spot which suits us and gives us a good selection headache.”