by Douglas Droy A hat-trick from Derek Kennedy and a Robbie Cameron goal gave Neilston all three points as they produced a great fightback after being 3-1 down in the first half.

Boss Andy Whiteford handed Daniel McKay his first competitive start, with Matt Stevenson failing a fitness test before the game with Chris Cameron coming in to replace him.

Neilston started the first half well, forcing a number of corners in the opening minutes before Derek Kennedy had the first attempt but it went over the bar.

It was the home side that took the lead in the 18th minute when ex-Neilston man David Adams beat his marker to cross for Ricky ALLEN who drilled the ball home into the top corner of the net.

Irvine Vics doubled their lead minutes later when Reid BROWN fired home from outside the area after some poor defending.

Neilston pulled a goal back within a minute when Martin McInnes found Derek KENNEDY on the edge of the area and he turned to fire a low shot past Chris Lamb.

The away side nearly equalised minutes later when a good link set up Daniel McKay but his shot was blocked by the defender.

The home side restored the two goal advantage in the 33rd minute when a mistake in midfield and a through ball caught the Ton defence out and ADAMS ran through to knock it past James Digney into the empty net.

Neilston pulled a goal back just before the interval when KENNEDY picked up the loose ball to drill the ball home in the bottom corner.

Neilston began the second half on the front foot as they chased getting the equaliser, but it was the home side that should have restored their two goal advantage after scramble in the box from a corner and the ball was eventually cleared.

The Farmer’s Boys drew level in the 68th minute when Robbie CAMERON bundled the ball over the line after Kennedy’s effort was saved by Chris Lamb. At the other end Irvine Vics thought they had a penalty but Scott Chesney was ruled offside.

The pendulum swung Neilston’s way when Irvine Vics were reduced to 10 men in the 86th minute. Robert Burgees picked up his second yellow after he fouled sub Graeme Barbour resulting in a melee between the two teams with few players getting yellow cards.

From the free-kick Neilston went 4-3 up when Sean McGhee’s ball caused problems in the home box and Derek KENNEDY drilled home the winner and to complete his hat trick, much delight of the Neilston bench and travelling fans.

Neilston: Digney, McGhee, Murphy, McInnes, McDade, C Cameron (Diack), Kennedy, Docherty, R Cameron (Barbour), McKay, Craig (Tulloch).

Subs not used: Dempsey and Sinclair.