By DYLAN INGLIS
CRAIG GUPWELL reckons Newmains are proving they shouldn’t fear any side this season.
With United trailing 2-0 to Bellshill at half-time, co-boss Gupwell urged his side to score early in the second half.
Kris Jarvie then netted TWO inside four minutes then hit another as Newmains took a dramatic lead.
Athletic hit back with two late strikes to win an action-packed Breathing Space Cup pre-season clash.
But Gupwell is adamant his side’s reaction after the break – plus their Matchday One win over Carluke Rovers – shows they won’t be messed with anymore.
He said: “If we perform the way we have the last two games we’re a match for just about anybody.
“If we can continue with the same squad turning up week in week out then we’re going to have a brilliant season.
Matty Grant and Murray Loudon put Bellshill two-up inside 25 minutes at Alliance Park.
But a quick-paced start to the second-half saw Jarvie level the clash.
When he completed his hat-trick with 12 minutes to go Newmains were on course for another win.
But goals from Matty Clarke and Shaun Rouse turned the tie on its head again.
It was the second week in succession Gupwell’s side had scored twice quickly after the re-start.
He said: “The team talk at half-time was to go get a goal which would put right back in it.
“It was a really good reaction to put ourselves in front so we’re gutted we couldn’t defend the last 15. That’s ultimately why we came away with nothing.
“But as a team performance we’re delighted with the way we played.
“A few individual errors were to blame for the goals we conceded so hopefully with this being only the second game back it’s just a bit of rustiness
“At half-time we came in two down which was quite harsh on the boys.
“The massive plus to the two games is the chances we’ve created. We just need to tighten up a bit at the back.”
United host Royal Albert at the Wishaw Sports Centre this Saturday. Kick-off is 2pm. Entry is a donation at the gate.
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