Neilston suffered their second successive defeat on Wednesday night as they went down 3-1 to title challengers Rutherglen Glencairn at a damp Brig O’Lea. 

Derek Carson and Chris Cameron's side were never at the races as the Glens secured a crucial three points that propelled back to the top of the West Championship, ahead of Benburb on goal difference.

Neilston made two changes from Saturday’s starting XI with Euan Clark and Simon McBryde coming in for Kieran McDade and Stephen Stirling but it was the visitors who got off on the front foot, creating a good chance in the opening minutes through Stevie Kerr and Jay McKay.

READ MORE: Neilston's unbeaten run comes to an end with Benburb defeat

With the Farmer's Boys under pressure, an early opener for Rutherglen was looking likely and it arrived 13 minutes in when trialist keeper Sean Patrick could only palm it out to the feet of Dale Simeon who pounced to stab it over the line from close-range.

There was no let-up from Glencairn after taking the lead as they pushed forward relentlessly trying to build on their advantage, but missed several chances as Neilston held on.

The home side found some encouragement midway through the first-half when changed their system and had the ball in the net through Paul Stewart only for it to be flagged offside.

Neilston eventually drew level 37 minutes in after a clever flick from Cammy Haddow saw Dylan Fletcher beat the offiside trap before lobbing it over the Rutherglen keeper.

Barrhead News: Neilston down in eighth in the West Championship table after the recent round of midweek fixturesNeilston down in eighth in the West Championship table after the recent round of midweek fixtures

Patrick was called into action just before the break to deny Simeon his second of the evening with a top save at full stretch as both sides went in level.

Much like the first-half, Neilston immediately found themselves under pressure from the off in the second as Rutherglen spurned numerous chances to restore their lead.

Up the other end, Fletcher almost had Neilston in front before Glens went on to grab their second with a lovely passing move down the left flank which gave Sean McGuire the time in the box to force it home.

The visitors added a third with 15 minutes remaining to secure the points and climb to the top of the table thanks to a delightful pass from Simeon to set up Jordan Lynch who calmly slotted it under the Patrick.

Paul Stewart was denied a certain goal but for a brilliant defensive challenge by Rhys Donaldson to deny Neilston any hope of another comeback as it finished 3-1.

READ MORE: Neilston co-boss Derek Carson hails best away win of the season

Man of the match – Cammy Haddow.

Neilston – Trialist, Halliday (Frizzell), Doyle, Clark, Gordon, Docherty, Haddow, Diack, Fletcher, Stewart (Patterson), McBryde (McLaughlin).

Subs not used: Lovering & Robson.

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