Carluke Rovers travelled through to Kilwinning today for this top of the table clash with Eglinton FC. Both teams were unbeaten but Eglinton had drawn a couple of games. Carluke on the other hand were hoping to open up a 7 point gap on their opponents before they undertake a series of cup games in September.

The first effort on goal was for Eglinton when a cross into the Rovers box was picked up Brandon Sallotti but he ballooned his effort over the bar. The game was a tight affair with not a lot of action for either goalkeeper in the early stages. It took till the 28th minute for Carluke to create their first real effort. A long ball down the right was picked up by Gary Stewart. The striker cut inside and squared the ball to the unmarked Ross Steele 10 yards out and in front of goal. He took a touch before shooting low to the keepers right but Lundy in the Eglinton goal guessed right and saved comfortably.

Then good interplay with Nicky Prentice and Gary Stewart saw the latter chip the ball into the box where an unmarked Jamie McIntyre headed wide of the far post. This was the last of the action in the first half in which Carluke created the better chances.

The second half got underway and there was a little more intent in the Eglinton play. In fact it took a great point blank save by Garry Black in the Rovers goal to deny Eglinton the lead. Again the Rovers keeper was called into action in the 54th minute when a volley was expertly palmed round the post by the Keeper at full stretch.

Then in the 59th minute the deadlock was broken. Ross Steele threaded a good ball into Gary Webster. The striker seemed to have lost his chance but he got his shot away and it took a slight deflection ending up in the back of he net. 0-1 tp Carluke.

There continued to be chances at both ends but there was to be no further scoring and Carluke were relieved to hear the final whistle continuing their 100% start to the season.

Next up is another away game for Carluke when they travel to Ardeer to play in the South Challenge Cup and a welcome break from league duties.

Photography by Kevin Ramage