Smillie’s hat-trick puts Wishaw fourth

Central First Division round-up

Ryan Smillie was Wishaw’s first-half hat-trick hero as they won 3-2 at Neilston and moved into fourth spot in the Central First Division.

Neilston pulled a goal back in 71 minutes, and a second 10 minutes later, but Wishaw held out for the win.

The county side tackle Greenock at Beltane Park on Saturday.

Lesmahagow drew 1-1 away to tail-enders Johnstone Burgh, with Colin Boylan setting up the goal for Jordan Lithgow to net with a low 18-yard drive with 13 minutes left.

Manager Robert Irving said:“i’m not sure if this was a good point to get or two dropped.

“We lost a goal 13 minutes into the second half but drew level with 13 minutes to go. We deserved at least a draw.”

Irving doesn’t have his problems to seek on the injury front.

He said:“we’ve never known a time when we had so many players out through injury.

“Jordan Lithgow and Ryan Cherrie both played although they’re carrying hamstring injuries, Jordan Whitefield has a cruciate ligament injury, Martin Mcguire hamstring, and goalkeeper Stewart Leishman has a broken bone in his hand.

“In addition Jon Mcstay and John Boal are currently suspended.”

Thorniewood United slotted in a training stint at Robertson Park when their game away to Larkhall Thistle was called off.

Manager Andy Frame said:“we have used the break to sign a few new players, most notably Keigan Parker, who played alongside our assistant manager John Paul Mcbride at St Johnstone.

“This is a really big signing for our club, Keigan scored the goal at Wembley to take Blackpool into the Championship.

“We have also signed midfielder/forward Ryan Smith, who was recently with St Anthony’s, and forward Jamie Mcdonald, son of our coach Billy.

“Jamie had a spell at Lesmahagow when Billy was manager there.”

Bellshill Athletic lost 2-0 away to St Roch’s, which leaves them rooted on second-bottom spot as they prepare to face league leaders Cambuslang Rangers at Rockburn Park.

Manager Robert Sneddon said:“we played not too badly, and created two or three good chances.

“Scott Hall did well to block a good try 10 minutes into the second half, but they followed up to net, then hit a second three minutes from time.

“It was a fair performance. We have to take positives from the game and hope to start picking up points.”

Forth’s game at Vale of Clyde was postponed.