Carluke Rovers were back on their travels tonight playing in Bishopbriggs against West Park in this West of Scotland league game. Carluke were looking to maintain their winning start to the season that sees them top of Division Four but there are no easy games and this was to prove to be the case here.

The game kicked off with the heat of the day diminished which was good news for both sides for what was to be quite a frenetic game. Carluke were first to threaten when a corner by Ben Rennie found its way back to him. His next attempt found Mark Cassidy but his effort from 12 yards slid past the near post. West Park got their first effort in the 8th minute and should have taken the lead. A cross from the left wing went to the back post and from only six yards out an unmarked Jack Anderson didn’t get enough on his header and the ball went wide of the post.

Carluke had started slowly and were fortunate not to be punished in the 15th minute. A quick long throw from the halfway line caught the Rovers rearguard out as they tracked back and Ryan McQuarrie found himself through on goal from a slight angle. Fortunately for Carluke Garry Black in the Rovers goal made one of his customary one on one saves with his feet.

The game turned in Rovers favour in the 28th minute when West Park goalkeeper Ryan Taylor got caught with the new rule holding the ball too long. The punishment for this is a corner to the opposing side and Carluke took full advantage. The corner was flighted in from the right and running in, unmarked was Ross Girdwood who calmy nodded the ball into a gaping net to put Carluke into the lead. 0-1.

There was plenty of industry from Carluke with Gary Stewart making darting runs into the channels and Mikey Downs’ hold up play with his back to goal as good as ever but it was difficult to break down a resolute West Park defence. However Rovers almost extended their lea in the 36th minute when great play down the right side involving several players found Kyle McAdam on the penalty spot but he pulled his shot just past the left hand post.

A couple of minutes later a long ball from defence found Ross Girdwood backtracking with Dos Santos of West Park and unfortunately for the Rovers defender he slipped enabling the winger to get his shot away. However it was rushed and went harmlessly over the bar.

There was to be no more goalmouth action in the first half and Carluke were content to go in holding a 1-0 lead.

The second half got underway with everyone in the crowd expecting another tight affair and that was to prove to be the case. The first goal in this half was going to be vital particularly for West Park but it was Carluke who were to extend their lead in spectacular fashion.

Rovers won a freekick about 30 yards out and the ball was flighted in by Nicky Prentice looking for a Carluke head. Taylor in the West Park goal came to meet the ball and punched it clear but only back to Prentice. The midfielder saw the Keeper of his line and had the foresight to volley the ball from 25 yards looping over the despairing reach of the Keeper into the empty net. A great goal and a 2-0 lead for Carluke and some breathing space.

With that second goal Carluke were comfortable for the next 10 minutes but an error in the left back position when Ronan Shiels was trying to play out of defence let West Park back into the game The defender was making good headway down the left side but ran into a log jam of West Park players. He was dispossessed and the ball played into Marcus Taylor. The sub made his way to the edge of the box and fired in a low shot which just went inside Garry Black’s left hand post and gave the home team a lifeline. 2-1.

West Park’s cause wasn’t helped however when 5 minutes later Kyle McAdam was in a tussle with one of their players and held his jersey while he was off his own feet. The West Park player retaliated by stamping on the Rovers midfielder and the Referee had no option but to send the player off.

Rather than this being an opportunity for Carluke to smell blood and go for a third decisive goal the sending off seemed to galvanise West Park and they threw everything at Carluke for the last 20 minutes with Carluke looking dangerous on the break.

Assistant Manager, Peter Kane looked to freshen things up when he made a triple substitution introducing fresh legs to the proceedings. One of the strengths of this team is that the bench is packed with good quality whoever is on it and the lads coming on made an excellent contribution.

West Park were pushing forward at every opportunity with Ahmed and Dos Santos being particularly effective but Carluke were not going to give up their 100% start to the season lightly and fought hard all across the pitch to limit West Park to only a couple of half chances despite the bombardment of high balls.

When the Referee finally blew the whistle for full time there was a general feeling of relief amongst the Rovers ranks but it is no coincidence this team has played and won five games as they refuse to be give up and kept fighting to the end. Final score 1-2 to Carluke Rovers.

The team take a well earned break from league duties this Saturday but we still have an important game in the South Challenge Cup when we welcome Linton Hotspur from the east to the John Cumming Stadium with a 2pm kickoff in what is another important fixture.

Match Report by Steven Kane

 

Thanks to John McLachlan for supplying some match photos in the absence of our regular photographer.