NEILSTON Juniors’ league clash at Lesmahagow ended in farce last Saturday as the referee halted proceedings with nine minutes of normal time still to play.

The Gow led 3-1 when the official blew for full time, despite protests from both sides that the game had not finished the referee told players ‘it’s over’.

Staggeringly, the referee then seemingly admitted his mistake by entering the Neilston dressing room and asking the team to finish the game, only to find many of the squad were already showered and changed.

The 3-1 result will stand unless the SJFA rules otherwise and the Barrhead News understand the Brig O’Lea side are in talks with the league about the bizarre incident.

With both keepers unavailable, Neilston brought in David Miller as a trialist to play in goals.

They started well in the opening stages and Steve Docherty set up Danny Stoney who shot over the bar. Minutes later before Derek Kennedy had a chance but shot straight at the keeper.

At the other end, the Gow created their first opportunity but J Currie shot over the bar.

Neilston then had a goal disallowed in the 14th minute when new signing Ralph Gamba’s long-range effort was ruled out.

Moments later a John Paterson effort went just by the post.

The home side opened the scoring in the 24th minute when a through ball set up Collinder who slotted low past David Miller into the bottom corner.

Neilston responded with John Paterson’s effort just going past the far post from Stephen Docherty.

Minutes later the Gow made it 2-0 when Collinder’s run and cross was tapped into the net by MacDonald.

Neilston nearly pulled a goal back but Paul Young put his header just over the bar.

Neilston made a change during the interval with Ross Geddes taking the place of Danny Stoney.

The hosts missed a great chance to increase their lead but Collinder ran through to shot over the bar.

Neilston brought Robert Storrie on for Ralph Gamba in the 55th minute and pulled a goal five minutes later when Derek Kennedy set up Matt Stevenson who fired home into the top corner.

The visitors nearly equalised when a long throw from Robert Storrie was headed just over the bar by Paul Young.

The hosts made a double change and they restored their two-goal lead in the 70th minute with Moore firing home after poor defending.

With Neilston pressing forward for goals, it left gaps in the defence and the Gow had further chances with both hitting the crossbar.

Then in the 81st minute, the referee blew his whistle for full time much to shock of both sides and everyone in the stadium.

Neilston’s Man of the match: Paul Young Lesmahagow - Leishman Steele Collinder Maguire Lygate Peat Lithgow Penman J Currie Macdonald and Moore - subs L Currie Meikle Woodlock Cherrie Cartwright Neilston: Miller, Gamba (Storrie), Payne, Clark, Young, Stevenston, Docherty, Orr (Cameron), Kennedy, Stoney (Geddes), Paterson.