NEILSTON pipped Barrhead rivals Arthurlie to the Kenny Hay Trophy on Saturday after a keenly-fought contest at Dunterlie Park.

The Farmer’s Boys held a 4-3 advantage going into the second leg of the showdown and secured the silverware – as well as local bragging rights – by battling to a 1-1 draw.

Tam McGauchey had put the home side ahead in the final few minutes of the first half to make the tie level on aggregate but Euan Clark struck the all-important goal for the Brig O’Lea men with 20 minutes remaining as the contest ended 5-4 in their favour.

The big defender tapped home from close range after a dangerous free-kick from Conor Bolger was flicked on by Kieran Brophy and fell nicely to him.

And there is more good news for the Neilston faithful, with co-boss Chris Cameron revealing he is hopeful of getting a first glimpse of new signing Robbie McCutcheon this week.

The experienced defender joined from Johnstone Burgh in May but his debut had been delayed due to minor surgery on his knee.

Cameron admits it has been important to give McCutcheon time to recover but hopes he will feature against Neilston’s under-20 team in a friendly scheduled for this evening.

Speaking to Barrhead Sport, he said: “When we signed Robbie, we knew that he would be going in for a wee clean-up operation on his knee.

“I think we are looking at the development game for getting him some minutes and then take it from there.

“We can’t rush him back because I think he’s had this operation before when he was younger, so we are going to take our time and make sure he’s available for us when the season starts.”

Meanwhile, both Neilston and Arthurlie have now been told who they will face when they start their West of Scotland Football League campaign on July 17.

Neilston, who are in Conference C, will welcome Wishaw to Brig O’Lea on the opening day, with their first away fixture of the season taking place at St Roch’s.

Arthurlie will compete in Conference A and their first competitive game in more than 16 months will be against Glasgow University at Dunterlie Park.

Andy McFadyen’s troops will then travel to Shotts Bon Accord a few days later.

For more details of the 2021/22 fixture list, visit https://wosfl.co.uk.