Neilston co-manager Derek Carson praised his side as they battled to an impressive win over Kilsyth Rangers despite being down to the bare bones. 

Training injuries and call-offs on Saturday morning meant that Carson was listed as one of four substitutes with co-manager Chris Cameron and Coach David Gordon making up the rest of the bench alongside Daryl Convery. 

And despite Salim Kouider-Assia cancelling out Paul Stewart’s opener for The Farmer’s Boys, Dylan Fletcher popped up to grab the winner with 15 minutes to go. 

The game went ahead after the Brig O’Lea pitch passed a 9am inspection with Stewart trying to light up a miserable day as his free-kick hit the foot of the post early on. 

An even first-half finished level but it would take just three minutes of the second period for the hosts to open the scoring. 

And it was the ever reliable Stewart who would pop up with the goal after he cut in from the right and raced into the box before firing the ball high into the roof of the net. 

Neilston’s lead, however, was short lived as Kilsyth equalised just a few minutes later as Kouider-Assia finished past Robert Triopoulous from close range. 

But after 75 minutes the hosts would take the lead once more with Fletcher getting on the end of a free-kick and looping a header over the goalkeeper. 

Neilston held out for an important win which keeps them in touch with the play-off chasing pack, and Carson hopes his side will perhaps be able to enjoy a less stressful week heading into this Saturday’s match with Dalry Thistle. 

He said: “We couldn’t have had worse luck in the build up. We had two injuries at training on Thursday and two call-offs on Saturday morning so we had 11 fit players. 

“Sometimes when you’re down to the bare bones it can work in your favour because the boys put everything into the game. We were superb. I would say we deserved to win. 

“We had a few chances and Tiro had a few saves to make but nothing major. 

“The Gods weren’t with us but we managed to pull it off. It was a tremendous result considering what we went through. 

“Hopefully we can get some bodies back for this Saturday. Euan Clark and Alan Diack should be back as well as Simon McBryde who would all usually start. All things going well, the squad as a whole will be stronger this Saturday.” 

Carson welcomed Scott Robson to his side during the week as the midfielder joined from League Two side Johnstone Burgh. 

Robson was Jamie McKim’s captain at Keanie Park and made his debut for Neilston in Saturday’s gutsy win. 

And Carson admits that he is a player that he’s had his eye for a while. 

He added: “When we played Burgh at the start of this season we felt he stood out. 

“Once he settled he did well and enjoyed it. He’s another good addition to the team.”

Neilston travel to Dalry this weekend with a 1.45pm kick-off. Weather permitting, the supporters bus will leave Brig at 11.45am.