NEILSTON boss Andy Whiteford classed Saturday’s 7-3 defeat to Cumbernauld United as one of the strangest games he has been involved in.

The referee awarded Cumbernauld three penalties during the tie which Whiteford insisted were all soft.

Martin McInnes saw red on the stroke of half time and the Neilston boss admitted that was the turning point of the match.

He told Barrhead Sport: “It was really disappointing as we actually played very well throughout the tie.

“He sent off an experienced centre half on the stroke of half time and to be honest play continued and nobody even shouted for a foul — it was just bizarre.” However, Whiteford insisted he takes positives from the Farmer’s Boys start to the season despite failing to win in their opening three ties.

He added: “The disappointing thing so far is that we have failed to capitalise on our chances in some of the games.

“We haven’t been outclassed by anyone and there have been positives to take .”