Neilston co-manager Martin Campbell praised his side’s ‘disciplined and professional’ performance as they came away from a difficult tie against Cumbernauld United with a well deserved 1-1 draw. 

The Farmer’s Boys produced a battling display to earn the point at Guys Meadow with the hosts high on confidence after hitting 11 goals in their opening two matches. 

And Campbell was full of praise for his side, who have now taken four points from their opening three league games. 

He said: “We had looked at their form and they’ve been doing well so we knew we’d be up against it. I know it’s early doors but going into the game they were top of the league. 

“In spells I felt we were the better team and we scored first which settled us. They had a lot of the ball but we reduced them to few chances. It was one of our more disciplined and professional performances. I didn’t feel under much pressure.

“We were decent value for a point and I do think they’ll have a decent season so to go there and take a point is positive for us.” 

Campbell’s side had the first real chance early on but it was United who tested the keeper first with David Wilson doing well to turn it over. Wilson was called on from the resulting corner and produced another excellent save to keep it level. 

However, it was Neilston who opened the scoring despite the early onslaught with Lewis Lovering the first to react after a scramble in the box, tapping in at the back post. 

The hosts rung the changes 30 minutes in two surprising substitutions and the bold move paid off within three minutes. Scott McManus was allowed space in the area after sloppy defending and the striker made no mistake, firing home from close range to equalise. 

United started brightly after the restart with Neilston relying on Wilson to keep them level before Cumbernauld had a penalty claim dismissed.

Cumbernauld’s bold move of making two changes in the first-half looked to have backfired spectacularly with 20 minutes remaining when a strong challenge saw Conor Stevenson hobble off. Having used all their substitutes, the home side were forced to play out the remaining 20 minutes with 10 men. 

Despite the man advantage, Campbell’s side could not grab a hold of the game with United still dominating possession. 

The hosts pushed forward in search of the winner with Neilston doing well to hang on as both sides had to settle for a point a piece.

Neilston now welcome Irvine Victoria to Brig O’Lea on Saturday.