Neilston boss Andy Whiteford insists his team's defeat to East Stirlingshire was a "missed opportunity".

The Brig O'Lea side were defeated 3-2 by the Lowland League club in the South Challenge Cup.

Goals from Ben Lamont and Che Reilly put the visitors 2-0 up at half time.

And Lamont put them three goals up not long after the break when he grabbed his second.

The hosts did rally though, firstly through Del McNab and then a late strike from Shaun Grady, but were unable to find an equaliser.

Whiteford expressed his frustration at his team being knocked out of the competition.

He said: "I see it as a missed opportunity. Playing a team three leagues above us was always going to be a challenge but I think we showed more than enough to win the game.

"I thought they started the fixture a lot better than us and it took the boys a while to get going. 

"They punished our mistakes. With the first goal, there was a little bit of confusion at the back and the centre-back headed it out.

"From there we didn't defend as well as I thought we could have and it was the same with their second goal."

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Whiteford also detailed a decision that he feels went against his side.

He continued: "One of our players goes through and gets pulled back but the ref plays on which led to the opposition going up the park and scoring.

"I felt like that decision went against us. We came out in the second half and it was pretty 50/50.

"We had a chance after the restart which if we had taken would have maybe allowed us to kick on a bit quicker.

"After the third goal went in we threw caution to the wind, made a few substitutions and I think we went on to play some of our best football so far this season,

"We managed to score two, made the keeper make a few good saves and hit the woodwork a couple of times.

"It felt like we could have scored four or five.

"I am disappointed with the result but upon reflection, it was a decent performance against a side further up the pyramid."

The club will mark the 125th anniversary of their ground on Saturday part of the Scottish Junior Cup clash against Bathgate Thistle.

And the gaffer is looking forward to the occasion.

He added: "Having a good cup run would be beneficial for the club.

"It is important to acknowledge your history and that is what we are going to do on Saturday.

"For a ground that old to still be in use is a testament to everyone who works so hard behind the scenes at the club.

"It is a significant milestone and I hope the history spurs the players on to put on a performance.

"I have been involved with the club in several roles over the last 21 years and I look forward to hopefully getting a result to mark the celebrations. "