JOHN Paul Dow believes Neilston are ready to put their recent wobble behind them and start climbing up the championship table after they got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win away to Larkhall Thistle.

The Farmer’s Boys started the season well but they went into Saturday’s clash against struggling Thistle low on confidence, after failing to pick up a win since August.

There were no early nerves in sight, however, when Craig Paterson opened the scoring with a well-placed effort with just four minutes on the clock.

READ MORE: Dow slams worst Neilston performance of the season

Paterson’s movement was causing havoc for Thistle and he found himself one-on-one with the keeper on 16 minutes to bag his second with a composed finish.

With nine losses from their opening nine matches, Thistle were there for the taking but their keeper and the woodwork kept the scoreline respectable as the visitors applied pressure and threatened every time they ventured forward. 

But Dow was more concerned with the all-important three points rather than the scoreline, and heaped praise on his side for getting back to winning ways after a difficult couple of months. 

He said: “It’s good to get three points on the board again after a couple of weeks. 

“Hopefully getting back to winning ways will see us kick on now.

“I knew coming into this league that we’d have wee dips and we’ve certainly had one in the last few weeks, with a few draws leading into three defeats on the bounce. 

“It’s great to pick up three points again though, and I have to give full credit to the boys. 

“We knew nothing is won or lost in September and October so we just remained calm. Hopefully that’s our wee blip over with. 

“If you look at the table there’s not a lot of points separating the top and bottom halves so if you go three on the bounce, you’ll be right up there challenging at the top – but three defeats in a row will see you dragged down.

“We know what we’re up against and need to keep the momentum with us. We’re hoping our wee wobble is done now and we can put together a few wins and go on a good run again.”

Neilston take on League Two side Ashfield in the Scottish Junior Cup this weekend and Dow acknowledged the importance of not looking too far ahead or allowing complacency to sneak in against a side from two leagues below them. 

READ MORE: Five on the bounce for Arthurlie after they thrash Irvine Vics 5-1

He is also well aware of what a big cup win can do for confidence.

He added: “We roll into a very important Scottish Cup tie which is very winnable. If we play the same way we did at the weekend then I’d be very confident of winning. 

“I’m not looking too far ahead but it’s a cracking tie for us.”
Neilston supporters’ bus to Ashfield will leave Brig O’Lea at 12.30pm on Saturday.