Neilston co-manager Derek Carson dismissed his side’s underwhelming Scottish Junior Cup performance at the weekend, insisting the result was all that mattered to him.

Away to East Junior Premier League side Brechin Victoria on Saturday, the Farmer’s Boys were the firm favourites in the third round clash at Victoria Park.

Carson’s side enjoyed the majority of possession and the bulk of the chances in the first half, with the hosts seemingly intent on sitting deep to frustrate the visitors.

With Brechin more than happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, Neilston were piling forward and made the breakthrough 25 minutes in after Martin Curren’s cross took a wicked deflection to catch the Vics keeper off guard.

READ MORE: Neilston claim East Ren bragging rights with Arthurlie win

The Brig O’Lea club looked a bit flat after the break but the home side didn’t have the quality to trouble them, with Kyle Pirie treated to a quiet afternoon in goal.

Neilston eventually found their feet in the second-half and doubled their advantage just after the hour mark thanks to Curren who was on hand to tap home from close range after a clever lay off from Cammy Haddow.

The visitors should have added a third when Stephen Docherty was fouled in the area but Stephen Stirling’s tame spot-kick was comfortably tipped beyond the post as frustration grew for Carson’s side.

Neilston went on to finish the game with 10 men after Haddow received a second yellow card for diving, with the gaffer happy to admit that the performance was of little importance to him.

He said: “The only thing that mattered was getting safely through that one.

“No disrespect to Brechin but we maybe dropped down to their level at times and struggled to break them down in spells.

“Once we got the opener we knew the tie was over. It wasn’t the best of games to be involved in or to watch but that wasn’t important, all that mattered was progressing and we did that quite comfortably which was pleasing.”

Neilston return to league action this weekend as they take on Gartcairn at MTC Park in Airdrie.

READ MORE: Farmer's Boys leave it late to sink Craigmark Burntonians

Carson added: “Saturday is a big one for us now against Gartcairn. They’re sitting directly below us in the table so a win would create some daylight between us.

“It’s on the 4G which they’ll be used to so it will be tough but we’re on a good run and full of confidence ourselves.”

Read all the latest from Barrhead Sport