It was the turn of local rivals Newmains to visit the John Cumming Stadium this afternoon with Carluke hoping to continue the scoring spree they inflicted on Royal Albert in the last West of Scotland league game at the Stadium.

The game got underway with a steady breeze blowing across the pitch not benefiting either team. The first chance of the game fell to Carluke in the 10th minute when a freekick by Graeme Goodall was headed goalward by Reiss Stewart but was comfortably saved by Dan Cherry in the Newmains goal.

The game had settled into a pattern early on with Carluke very much on top and comfortable in possession. It was therefore no surprise when they took the lead in the 18th minute. Nice interplay on the left found the ball passed inside to Greg Miller about 20 yards out. He looked up and curled a lovely effort into the top right had corner to make the score 1-0 to Carluke.

Carluke continued to control the game but the Newmains strikers always looked mobile and they got an equaliser in the 26th minute against the run of play. Their No9 received the ball on the left and managed o screw a shot high into the far corner giving McGill in the Carluke goal no chance. 1-1.

This was a setback for Carluke but it did not deter them and they continued to press forward and in the 37th minute they re took the lead. A great through ball broke to Greg Miller and he calmy scored both his and Carluke’s second into an empty net. 2-1 to Carluke.

However as earlier Carluke could not hold on to this lead and lost a goal at a vital time just before halftime. One of the defenders got caught out by the Newmains No9 and he calmly feigned to shoot but cut inside leaving the Carluke defenders floundering and scored into the empty net 2-2 at halftime.

The first goal in the second half was going to be crucial and it was Newmains who got it in the 53rd minute. Good interplay between Newmains No9 and old campaigner Kris Jarvie found the latter clear on goal with the easiest of finishes to make it 3-2 to Newmains.

Then to sum up this game for Carluke as the were attacking Newmains regained possession and cleared the ball long only to find Kris Jarvie unmarked in the Carluke half. He ran through on goal and scored their 4th which effectively ended the match.

Carluke continued to press and Greg Miller got his hattrick in the 88th minute when he connected onto an Arthur Martin long throw to force the ball over the line. 4-3.

However just as Carluke were looking to really apply the pressure in the last 5 minutes Newmains got a fifth goal. An error at the back allowed No5 through and he slotted in the 92nd minute to make the final score 5-3 to Newmains.

A disappointing result for Carluke but if they can cut out the errors they have looked more than a match for the teams they have played to date.