MARTIN CAMPBELL has laughed off suggestions that Neilston could struggle for their Central First Division existence going into the new Junior season.

The recently-installed team boss (he only took up the reins in late June following his sacking by Greenock), has endured a particularly frenetic close season of signing activity which has culminated in fully 10 newcomers being added to his inheritance from last season’s Brig O’ Lea dressing room of nine players.

One-time full-back Marty is pleased with his replenishment activities up to now but is dismayed to learn the Farmer’s Boys are being openly tipped as relegation candidates even before a ball is kicked in anger.

He blasted: “I've heard the whispers but how anyone can seriously consider writing Neilston off at this early stage is beyond me even if we only finished one spot above the drop zone last time out.

“A major rebuilding job has been necessary on the team front so it's only natural for it to take time for the guys to settle into their new surroundings and gel with the established regulars like Derek Kennedy, Paul Young and Robbie Cameron, but I have been hugely encouraged by our displays in pre-season games so far.

“In midweek we went up against the Scottish Junior Cup holders Beith and narrowly lost out 2-1 in the cruellest of circumstances after they netted an 89th minute winner with the aid of a wicked deflection off Kieron McDade.

“And we were also denied a goal when the referee adjudged Craig Patterson’s header was not in, yet the Beith goalkeeper Stephen Grindley admitted afterwards the ball was at least a foot and a bit over the line before he clawed it out.

“Given the opposition, I would say the game was a real baptism of fire for many of our younger players but they came through it and matched up well with one of the best sides in the Junior ranks so a draw was the very least we deserved on the night.”

The hard working gaffer’s delight over Neilston’s performance caused him to make special mention of some playing charges.

He said: “We’ve been fortunate to land Danny Stoney who made three first-team appearances for Rangers under Ally McCoist before going out on loan to Stranraer as his abilities were there for everyone to see against Beith.

“He’s hoping to get back his enjoyment for football by playing with Neilston as indeed is ex-Stirling Albion striker Keiron McGennis who had a short playing stint with Pollok before coming to ourselves.

“Defensively we’ve brought in Robert Storrie who was with me at Greenock and is a Barrhead boy as well as teenage left-back Robert Payne from Port Glasgow, who was outstanding in the Beith game.

“And I simply cannot ignore the display served up by young Robert Storrie who had to come off the substitutes bench in midweek after Paul Young stretched his groin inside the opening minute.

“It would have been understandable for the lad to be flustered but he was simply immense in curbing the threat posed by Beith’s two top quality frontmen Kenny McLean and Darren Christie.

“He deserves all the praise going but in fairness the entire team played well and not just the newcomers because Kennedy and Cameron’s great experience helped make us tick when coming on for the second half.

“I felt so good about our performance afterwards despite our defeat because make no mistake Beith will be a force to be reckoned with again this season.

“Their players were superb at retaining possession and they looked very sharp all over the pitch so remember you heard it here first if they are up there challenging for even more Junior honours.”

Neilston host the visit of further Ayrshire opposition today in the Hugh Blair Memorial Cup with Super First Division new boys Irvine Vics as their opponents and Campbell is hoping his players can post a confidence boosting win.

He revealed: “We’ve played a total of four friendly matches to date and have two wins to our name against Under 21 sides but have lost to Beith and Ardeer Thistle (0-2) so it would be nice to get the monkey off our back and get a victory over another Junior team.

“Young is a definite no-no and we’ll wait until closer to kick-off time to name our starting team because I’m still hopeful of bringing in a bit of experience to help with developing our young side.

“For that reason we’ve fixed up Queen's Park Under 20’s to come here next Wednesday night in what will be our last warm-up before going into the Euroscot Eng Cup section games with Arthurlie, Benburb, Pollok and St Anthony's.

“It’s a daunting line-up of tough games to kickstart our season but quite honestly I would not want it any other way and I find the prospect exciting.”

Meanwhile, on the transfer front comes word of the pursuit of ex-Alloa Athletic defender Kyle McAusland being won by Glenafton Athletic manager Craig McEwan.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

(Various kick-off times)

Blantyre Vics v Abbey Hey, Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Benburb, Darvel v Lesmahagow, Troon v Renfrew, Petershill v Rob Roy, St Roch's v Pollok, East Kilbride Thistle v Tranent, Irvine Meadow v Kilwinning Rangers, Bellshill Athletic v Downfield, Auchinleck Talbot v Bo’ness Utd, Cumnock v Shotts Bon Accord, Shettleston v Penicuik Athletic, Maryhill v Queen's Park Under 20s, Craigmark v Wishaw, Neilston v Irvine Vics, Blackburn Utd v Glasgow Perthshire, Tayport v Glenafton, Kilsyth Rangers v Hurlford Utd, Whitletts Vics v Port Glasgow, Dunipace v Peebles Rovers, Cambuslang Rangers v Forfar West End, Rossvale v Pollok Under 21s , Ashfield v Rutherglen Glencairn, Annbank Utd v Greenock.