Neilston’s juniors’ last game of 2016 ended with a 2-0 defeat to Wishaw at the Beltane writes Dougie Droy.

The Farmer’s Boys were without a goalkeeper as James Digney was unavailable so Kieran McDade took over between the sticks. But McDade was sent off before half-time with striker Craig Patterson filling in.

Two of the Wishaw backroom team were dismissed from the touchline during the second half.

The home side missed a great chance when McGeachie sent Smillie clear, but the striker took too long to get his shot away and it was blocked. At the other end, Kieron Magennis found space inside the box but his effort was cleared off the line.

Neilston were providing a threat on the break and almost took the lead when a curling corner saw keeper Thomson get up well to tip the ball over to safety.

Just before half-time, the home side grabbed the lead when a long pass from Kindlan flicked off the head of a Neilston defender. The ball ran kindly for Smillie who found himself clear and he evaded the keeper before being pulled to the ground just outside the box by McDade.

A red card was inevitable after the challenge and was duly shown by the referee. Craig Patterson took over in goal but couldn’t stop the home side taking the lead from the free kick when Grant rolled the ball to the side for McCafferty, who fired low through the wall into the bottom right-hand corner.

Wishaw had the ball in the net four minutes into the second half when an effort from Grant ran free in the box. The ball was turned in over the line at the back post but was ruled out for offside.

Neilston were defending well and coping admirably playing with 10 men. They almost levelled the match in the 60th minute when John Paterson’s chipped effort from the edge of the box landed on the roof of the net.

Neilston missed a great chance to equalise when Derek Kennedy somehow scooped the ball over the bar from six yards out from Robert Payne’s cross.

Wishaw sealed all three points in the 88th minute when McGeachie was put through on goal to steer the ball wide of the keeper into the empty net.

Neilston: McDade, Gamba, Payne, Clark, Young, Stevenson (Crumlish), Magennis (Beattie) , Geddes, Kennedy, Patterson, Paterson (Cameron).

Not used: Boyd and Dow.

Man of the match: Paul Young.