Carluke Rovers kicked off their competitive season with a fresh look, debuting their new strips in the semi-final of this year’s Clydesdale Cup. Lesmahagow Juniors, two divisions above Carluke, were the visitors to the John Cumming Stadium, with a place in the final at stake following Forth Wanderers’ 2-1 win over Lanark United the previous evening.

Rovers started brightly and deservedly took the lead through Ross Steele. In fact, they could have gone into the break with a more comfortable cushion, having created several good chances.

The second half told a different story. Lesmahagow grabbed an early equaliser, shifting the momentum in their favour. Although Rovers made a number of changes and continued to threaten, it was Lesmahagow who found the net twice late on to seal a 3-1 victory, a scoreline that flattered the visitors but reflected their clinical edge.

Lesmahagow now progress to face Forth in the final.

Just one pre-season friendly remains for Carluke against Dalbeattie Star before the league campaign gets underway.

Photography by Kevin Ramage