NEILSTON will need a replay to settle their Scottish Junior Cup tie against Lanark United after a goalless draw at Moor Park last Saturday.

Despite having a lot of pressure, Neilston lacked cutting edge. Joint-managers Martin Campbell and John-Paul Dow had several players missing due to holidays and other commitments, but Paul Young and Robert Storrie returned to the starting line-up after being out injured.

Neilston started the game positively and created the game’s first chance which Danny Stoney blasted over the bar.

The away side kept the pressure on and Craig Patterson headed over from Storrie’s cross. The home side gradually found their feet and O’Donnell’s effort went just over the bar.

Neilston responded a minute later with Stoney’s shot going just wide missing the far post.

Lanark went close in the 26th minute when Bannerman’s effort hit the crossbar and O’Donnell blazed the rebound over.

Play continued to swing from end to end, Stoney’s free-kick went close after John Paterson was fouled outside the area.

Minutes later, a mistake by Kieran McDade let Bannerman in but he shot well over.

Neilston goalkeeper James Digney then made a fine save to deny Aldin El-Zubaidi.

Neilston had the last chance of the first half when Patterson's cross found Kieran Magennis at the edge of the box but Gareth Hallford blocked the striker’s effort.

The Farmer’s Boys started the second half on the front foot, Young’s shot inches wide.

They went close again when John Paterson blasted over from Craig Patterson’s flick-on.

Midway the second half, Neilston brought Robbie Cameron and Derek Kennedy on for Craig Patterson and Kieran Magennis. Kennedy found space in the box to set up Paul Young but his shot went just over the bar.

The home side hit the crossbar for the second time as a Bannerman cross-come-shot bounced off it and the ball was cleared Both clubs need to do all again at Brig O’Lea on Saturday.

NEILSTON: Digney, Docherty, Payne, McDade, Young, Stevenson, Stoney (Orr), Storrie, C Patterson (Cameron), Magennis (Kennedy) Paterson. Not used - Gamba.