Bonnyton Thistle 2 Neilston 1
Ross Wilson saluted brilliant Bonnyton after a come-from-behind victory stunned promotion hopefuls Neilston.
Second-half goals from Chris Love and David Stevenson breathed fresh life into Thistle’s West of Scotland League First Division survival bid on Saturday.
A fourth league win of the season appeared unlikely at the break with the Farmer’s Boys ahead thanks to Dylan Fletcher’s opener.
However, a dominant performance after the interval kept the points at the Synergy Arena – with Bonnyton having enough opportunities to ensure a wider margin of victory.
Delighted boss Wilson told Ayrshire Football News: “We’re a bit of a strange team – you get games where we produce that type of performance.
“And then there are other times where the boys don’t do themselves justice but I think here we deserved to win.
“The game was pretty nip and tuck but it was pleasing for me to see us being as competitive as we were.”
A poor first half was served up on a chilly afternoon at Townholm. Thistle had a good chance when the impressive Kyle McAvoy had a header well saved by keeper Grant Hay.
The only other effort arrived at the other end and was converted by Fletcher when the Thistle defence fell asleep.
But they set about their task in the second half with gusto and a dangerous low ball from McAvoy was so nearly turned into his own net by Paul Boyle.
Bonnyton did go on to draw level when sloppy defending from Neilston created the time and space for Love’s shot on the turn which found the far bottom corner of the net.
The visitors were wobbling and eventually sent to the canvas when the Kilmarnock men went 2-1 up.
Once again, the defending left a lot to be desired as Bonnyton scampered forward with Chris Gardiner cutting back for Stevenson who applied the killer touch.
Neilston forward Tam McGaughey had a strike well saved by Bonnyton custodian Aidan Winning.
Wilson’s men came close to a third goal with time running out when Stevenson’s effort from a narrow angle was cleared off the line by Shaun Gallacher.
Bonnyton are back in action tonight with a trip to Airdrie to face Gartcairn with another road game at Benburb this Saturday.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Wilson added. “Everybody in the league probably had us in the bottom three at the beginning of the season.
“If we can start to turn in these types of performances more often then I think we are a proposition. Hopefully this result sends a wee message to the league. We’re still here and we’re still fighting.”
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