Neilston co-manager Martin Campbell believes that going to Arthurlie to take a point and still feeling disappointed after the game shows how far his side have come.
Arthurlie, who were relegated from the top tier last season, and Neilston, who were promoted from the third tier, met on league duty for the first time.
Josh Payne had the hosts ahead in the opening quarter of an hour, before Dylan Fletcher equalised for Neilston in the second half as he headed in at the back post.
The result extends The Farmer’s Boys unbeaten run to four matches, but Campbell admits his side weren’t at their best.
He said: “The first 45 minutes were probably as poor as we’ve been since the start of the season. 
“Scoring early gave Arthurlie the momentum in the first half, but we spoke to them at half-time and the second half was an improvement. 
“I don’t think we played to our capabilities, but we were still the better side. 
“The boys were disappointed, as were we, and the committee were as well. 
“If taking a point from a recently relegated Premiership side, and us being a promoted side, is disappointing then we’ve come a long way.”
Campbell also praised young striker Fletcher for finding the scoresheet for the third game in a row. 
Fletcher joined the club from Johnstone Burgh 21’s last Summer, and made headlines in November last year when his overhead kick against Lesmahagow went viral over social media.
The Neilston forward hasn’t looked back from there as he continues to find the back of the net for his side. 
Campbell said: “He certainly knows where the goal is. 
“He’s been nothing but a revelation for us. For a guy to come in from an under-21 side and adapt to Junior football the way he has speaks volumes.” 
Neilston now look ahead to next weeks fixture against high-flying Rossvale at Brig O’Lea.
The Bishopbriggs side are second in the Championship with four wins and a draw from their opening five games.
Rossvale had the upper hand in games between the sides last season with a win and a draw from the two meetings, and Campbell expects just as hard of a game next week.
He said: “Rossvale have strengethed very well during the summer and I feel they’ll be up there or there abouts come the end of the season. 
“They’ve only got stronger since last season but we’re looking forward to the test. 
“We’re only five points off the top so it’s important to keep in touch with those above us and we need to be looking to win games at home especially.”