Vics triumph as Arthurlie put their fitness to the test
Arthurlie crashed to pre-season defeat at home after losing out to Blantyre Victoria.
The Barrhead side hosted The Vics at Dunterlie on Wednesday night for what proved to be an entertaining encounter.
Both sides were looking to gain match fitness ahead of the new league season.
But it was Blantyre that came out on top in the end, winning 3- 2 to consign ‘ Lie to their second home defeat of preseason.
Goals from Jordan Craig and Jamie Lindsay were not enough to overcome the Central District First Division team, who were too strong on the day.
Having lost out 4- 3 to East Stirling last weekend, Arthurlie gaffer Chris Mackie will be hoping his side can get a win under their belt when they travel to Edinburgh for another friendly against Craigroyston tomorrow afternoon.
And with clashes with Cambuslang Rangers, St Mirren and Petershill Juniors coming up, Mackie is aiming for his newlook squad to take something from the game.
With 17 new faces at the club this time out, pre-season has taken on an added importance for the side as they try to gel ahead of the competitive league season. Queens Park U20s.........2 Neilston Juniors...........1
David Campbell
Neilston Juniors co-boss Martin Campbell believes his side are in good nick after decent friendly showing at Lesser Hampden.
The Farmer’s Boys fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Queens Park under-20s on Wednesday night, but gaffer Campbell says the performance showed the side is starting to gel nicely.
His team started the brighter and took the lead through a wonder strike from Kieran McDade. The strike from all of 30 yards smashed into the top corner, leaving the Queens keeper with no chance.
However, the young Queens Park side struck back from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.
After pushing and shoving in the Neilston box, at a corner kick a Queens player hit the deck and the referee was quick to award what seemed like a soft spot kick.
There was no denying the quality of the winning goals though, as the home side carved Neilston open with a neat passing move before half-time.
The second half saw the Keanie Park side continue to probe for the equaliser, creating several half chances and squandering one glorious chance from a one-on-one opportunity.
Overall, Neilston performed well against a fit and hungry Queens side and boss Campbell was delighted with the work-out.
He said: “We started the game really well and were probably the better team in the first half.
“We were up against a good side, with plenty of young boys trying to get in the Queens first team, but I was pleased with performance.
“It was a big pitch and we tried to make the most of that.
“It was a good chance for some of the newer guys to strike up partnerships, so overall we were pleased.
“At this stage of the season we are not too concerned with the results, it’s more about getting games under our belt.”
Neilston Juniors team: Graham, Milne, Payne, Clark, Geddes, McDade, Docherty, Diack, Patterson, Fitzpatrick, Curren.
Subs: Brown, McStay, McBryde, Stewart, Fletcher, Bannerman, Law, Loughlin, Sinclair.