Joy as Neilston finally move up

Stewart is the hero

Neilston have won promotion after a nailbiting 2- 1 play- off aggregate win over Shettleston.

The Farmer’s Boys secured their place thanks to Paul Stewart’s two goals over the tie.

His strikes meant the club secured its place in the new West Region Championship.

Manager Martin Campbell was delighted with the victory.

He said: “It was a fantastic performance. We were all a bit disappointed not to get automatic promotion but the boys bounced back.

“We set up our stall and tried to play with the ball on the ground.

“But Shettletson made it a bit more of a battle.”

Neilston headed into the clash with a 1-0 advantage after Stewart struck half an hour before the end during the first leg away at Greenfield Park.

That result meant they only needed a draw to secure promotion.

The second leg at Brig O’Lea was a cagey affair.

But Stewart’s strike from the penalty spot meant going up was guaranteed.

Campbell added: “The performance was not the best but I suppose it doesn’t really matter now.

“We treated the tie as if it were two cup finals. There was never any doubt about us getting a result. Shettleston did make it a nervy last five minutes after their equaliser.

But we held on and we can be proud of what we have achieved.”

Plans are already in place for next season.

Neilston are looking forward to playing, with the gaffer hailing his squad for their work.

He continued: “It was a fantastic effort fom everyone.

“Paul really helped to drive us on and I believe there is not many players in Scotland who had a better record than him this season.

“I’ve actually lost count the amount of times he has scored – I think it is around the 35 mark.

“We will look to strengthen and bring in a few new players and hopefully that will help us as we look to progress for the future.

“It will be a tough league next season, with the Ayrshire teams coming into it too.

“Our aim right now is to consolidate our place in the league for next season.

“After that, we will see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Shettleston have been relegated to the new League 1.