NEILSTON Juniors made the perfect start to their Central District First Division campaign in a 3-1 win over Forth Wanderers at Brig O’Lea on Saturday.

Neilston had a chance inside the first minute but Robert Kennedy could only shot straight at the keeper after blocking a pass from the defender.

The visitors created several good chances in the opening stages, but Forth couldn’t find the back of the net and were punished just after the half hour mark.

The hosts took the lead when Kennedy turned inside the box to send a low shot past the keeper. Worse was to follow for the visitors when Neil Schoneville was shown a straight red just prior to the interval for a challenge on Craig Patterson.

Forth were holding their own in the second half as Neilston had them on the back foot until defender McMullen was shown two quick yellow cards and a penalty was awarded by referee after he pulled Clark in the box. Kennedy duly converted to make it 2-0.

Forth continued to press despite playing nine men and got their reward when substitute Haley turned home a Willie McLaren cross at the front post to make it 2-1.

Neilston made it 3-1 five minutes later when substitute Robbie Cameron scored from distance.

NEILSTON: Digney, McDade, Geddes, Clark, Young, Stevenson, Stoney, Docherty, C Patterson (J Paterson), Kennedy (Cameron), McLachlin (Payne).

The bus for Neilston’s next game away to Larkhall Thistle will leave Brig O’Lea Stadium at 11.15am on Saturday.