Carluke Rovers travelled to North Kevinside to face Division 4 new boys Knightswood.

It would prove to be a difficult day for the Rovers as they struggled to come to terms not only with the narrow pitch but also with the Knightswood pacy attackers.

Knightswood played the long game on the short pitch with their keeper regularly finding their strikers with some excellent kickouts whilst the Rovers defence struggled.

Within 2 minutes of the start Knightswood were awarded a penalty and although a valiant effort from Josh McGill in goals to save it the effort proved too powerful and Knightswood took the lead.

The Rovers seemed to be off the pace and were struggling to put any decent passing together, many passes being overhit.

There were very few chances for the Rovers apart from a powerful header by Barry Fraser that was well saved by the Knightswood keeper.

Knightswood kept creating decent chances and if not for some decent saves by Josh McGill they were unlucky only to go into the break 1 up.

Half Time 1-0

The Rovers improved in the second half and within 10 minutes of the restart got back on level terms with a decent finish from Dominic Small.

It was barely another 3 minutes later that a defensive mix up in defence was pounced on by the Knightswood striker to give Knightswood back the lead.

Yet again on the 67th minute the Rovers defence were the creator of their own downfall as another loose ball was pounced on by the pacy number 11 who put Knightswood 3-1 ahead.

Again very few chances for the Rovers, a free kick in the 70th minute gave them a decent opportunity to get back into the match. A powerful free kick was hit by Greg Miller but was easily saved.

Greg Miller again came close in the 78th minute as a shot crashed off the bar.

This was the be the best of Rovers chances as the game played out with no further scoring and a deserved victory for Knightswood.

The Rovers welcome local rivals Newmains United to the John Cumming Stadium where the can hopefully sort out their defensive issues and get back on track in the league.

Photography by Kevin Ramage