Like most villages in the area, Neilston grew with the industrial revolution and the building of cotton mills but as industry died out over the decades, the village morphed into a commuter village given it's proximity to both Glasgow and Paisley.
The football club was formed in 1945, after the demise of Neilston Victoria, adopting the name Neilston Juniors Football Club (the 'Juniors' being dropped in 2020 when the club left junior football to join the newly formed West of Scotland League).
The club play at Brig O'Lea, a ground that will be celebrating it's 125th anniversary in 2024. Despite being battered by the wet weather this season the pitch was in perfect condition, the club chairman proudly telling me that it is very rare games are called off due to wet weather. In fact he said, snow is usually the reason for call offs given the club's location in the Levern Valley.
The pitch is a far cry from the supposed origins of the clubs nickname 'The Farmers Boys' which was largely due to the state of the pitch back in the day, along with the style of football adopted by the team. The term was reclaimed by the club over time and is now used most positively these days.
There is a large enclosure on one side of the pitch and the changing rooms and clubhouse on the other side. There are plans in place to upgrade the facilities at the club, which should be completed in the near future.
On the pitch, this season has been one of struggle for Neilston and the club are on the brink of relegation to Division Two of the West of Scotland League and this defeat this afternoon means they only now have a mathematical, rather than a realistic, chance of avoiding the drop.
Ashfield dominated the game from off and it was no surprise when they took the lead early on, Craig Quinn curling an effort into the top corner. Despite all the possession and numerous chances created, Ashfield couldn't add to their tally and it remained 1-0 at the break. A decent scoreline for Neilston in the circumstances.
The second Ashfield goal finally arrived around the hour mark, Bobby Barr converting from the penalty spot. Game over? Well not quite. Del McNab headed home for The Farmers Boys to half the deficit and indeed, in the last 15 minutes of the game Neilston should have come away with a point at the very least, but they squandered their opportunities for snatching that equaliser which, I was told, has been the story of Neilston's season.
A great afternoon at a more than welcoming club. I would impore anyone to put a visit to the Brig O'Lea on your "must do" list.
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