by Douglas Droy NEILSTON slipped back into the relegation zone after they narrowly lost to Rob Roy at a sunny Brig O’Lea.

A goal inside the first five minutes of the second half gave the visitor all three points. Manager Andy Whiteford had Martin McInnes still suspended and made two changes with Alan Diack and David Gordon back in the team with Graeme Dempsey moving to the bench and Sean McGhee not available.

Neilston began the game on the front foot and created the first chance in the opening minutes when Daniel McKay headed just over from Adam Nisanci’s free-kick.

The visitors eased their way into the game, with Upton firing wide. The home side came close in the 17th minute when Matt Stevenson’s shot rattled over the cross-bar after he picked up the loose ball.

They continued to press for the opener and Derek Kennedy went close with a free-kick that just by the post then Robbie Cameron’s header was deflected over by the defender from Adam Nisanci’s corner. Minutes later Derek Kennedy was denied a goal shooting opportunity by a great tackle from Finnegan.

At the other end Carter found space in the box but could only put his header into the arms of James Digney. In the 40th minute Rob Roy missed the great chance when Watt’s header hit the post and Aitken’s effort was saved well by James Digney.

Half-time: Neilston 0-0 Rob Roy The visitors opening the scoring in the 51st minute when the home side failed to clear their lines and Watt drilled home past James Digney much to the delight of the big away support.

At the other end Neilston won a free-kick just outside the area and Derek Kennedy fired just wide of the post.

A corner from Adam Nisanci caused problems in the visitor’s box and Brown saved well from Alan Diack’s shot. Manager Andy Whiteford brought Graeme Barbour on for Robbie Cameron and he broke clear to set up Derek Kennedy who shot well over the bar from six yards out.

Neilston pressed forward for the equaliser but couldn’t find their way pass the visitors defence as they held out for victory.

A disappointing result and now take a break from the League when they travel to Maryhill next week in the Central League Cup.

Neilston: Digney, Murphy, Gordon, Diack, McDade, Stevenson, Nisanci (Dempsay), Docherty, R Cameron (Barbour), McKay (Tulloch), Kennedy.

Subs not usedL Lennox and Sinclair.