Three teams gathered at the Brig O’Lea on Saturday for a celebration of local football.

Neilston, Barrhead under-19s and Neilston Amateurs came together for the Hugh Blair Tournament.

Each of the sides enjoyed success of their own last season and provided each other with a good test as the new season nears.

Neilston Amateurs 4 Barrhead U19’s 0 The Amateurs secured the first victory of the tournament as they defeated the under-19’s at rain soaked Brig O’Lea. They took the lead in the opening minutes when David Rome’s shot wasn’t dealt by the keeper and James Miller knocked in the rebound. Further goals in the second half by Dale Imrie and an own goal give them victory.

Neilston Juniors 6 Neilston Amateurs 1 Neilston Juniors got off to the perfect start with three goals in the first 10 minutes with a David Gordon free-kick after Derek Kennedy was fouled on the edge of the box. Kieran McDade picked up the loose to drill home the second and minutes later James Canning cut it back for Matthew McLean to slot home past Fulton. A good link-up between Derek Kennedy and Matthew McLean set up Bryan Smith who rounded the keeper to slot home to make it 4-0 just before half-time.

The Amateurs pulled a goal back before the Juniors made it 5-1 when a long pass from Robbie McNamara was headed on by McLean to Derek Kennedy who turn his mark to shot home. In the dying minutes they made it 6-1 when Robert Campbell was tripped in the box and Derek Kennedy fired home the spot kick.

Neilston Juniors 3 Barrhead U19’s 0 The hosts opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Stephen Docherty’s cross found James Canning who set up Tam McGaughey to drill home. They had further chances with James Canning, Matthew McLean and Tam McGaughey all going close before it was 2-0 when James Canning slotted home at the back post.

Both sides made changes at half-time and Neilston nearly added another with Tam McGaughey went close after good play between Derek Kennedy and Adam Nisanci. Barrhead had their chances with a shot just by the post and a header just over the bar.

With 15 minutes to go, the hosts scored a third when Bryan Smith set Adam Nisanci inside the box to smash the ball home.

Neilston Juniors would like to thank Crofthead Bowling Club for providing hospitality after the tournament.