It was local derby action at the John Cumming Stadium with Newmains United making the short trip to face Carluke Rovers.

With Newmains fielding several former Rovers players and looking to pick up points following a poor start to the season, it was always likely to be a tough match, as it usually is when these two sides meet.

The first chance of note came for Rovers in the 8th minute when a free kick into the box was met by the head of Callum Shanks, but his effort went high and wide.

Just a few moments later the deadlock was broken by Newmains. A long ball out of defence resulted in a high looping cross into the Rovers box. Eoin Wallace failed to deal with it as Lewis McLean challenged for the ball as it dropped out of the sky, and it fell to former Rovers striker Jamie Henderson, whose first-time effort took a deflection on its way into the Rovers net.

Carluke Rovers 0 Newmains United 1

In the 24th minute Newmains had another opportunity from a long-range free kick. Although David Lewis caught his shot well, it fell comfortably into the hands of Eoin Wallace.

A Kyle McAdam free kick from the edge of the box on the half-hour mark threatened the Newmains goal, but David Cherrie was able to tip the ball away for a corner.

Connor Coyle’s trademark long throws were causing problems with balls into the box, but the Newmains defence remained solid and kept Rovers’ efforts to get back on level terms at bay.

Another McAdam free kick in the 38th minute gave Rovers another half chance, but the initial effort was comfortably cleared by the Newmains defence before Dylan Watt sent the follow-up well wide.

Rovers were struggling to really get into the game and weren’t producing the quality of football they had shown so far this season, which had taken them to fourth in the table.

Carluke ended the half with another Coyle long throw into the box, but once again it was dealt with by the Newmains defence, who went in at the break deservedly still a goal ahead.

Half Time – Carluke Rovers 0 Newmains United 1

Carluke came out fighting in the second half and a long ball out of defence from Callum Shanks saw Jamie McIntyre pick up possession and play a nice pass into Jay Keenan inside the box. Keenan played a great ball across goal which Callum Hume got on the end of, but his shot went wide.

Rovers were left to rue their missed chances when Newmains doubled their advantage. From a corner, with the Rovers defence switched off, the ball was quickly played to Aidan Rolink, who broke into the Rovers box with Connor Coyle tracking him down. Unfortunately, a tangle of legs saw Rolink hit the ground and the referee point to the spot.

Once again it was former Rovers striker Jamie Henderson who did the damage, comfortably slotting the penalty away to the left as Eoin Wallace went to his right.

Carluke Rovers 0 Newmains United 2

It was end-to-end stuff now with both teams going at each other and Carluke desperate to get themselves back into the game and try to salvage something from the match.

In the 71st minute they almost found a way back into it when an excellent ball through to Jay Keenan saw him one-on-one with the keeper. David Cherrie spread himself well, however, and knocked Keenan’s effort to safety.

Carluke were creating opportunities but the finishing wasn’t quite there. However, in the 81st minute they finally got their reward when substitute Mikey Downs slotted home a deserved goal for Rovers.

Carluke Rovers 1 Newmains United 2

Unfortunately, that was to be the last real effort on goal for either side and Newmains deservedly went home with all three points, giving them their first victory of the season.

Full Time – Carluke Rovers 1 Newmains United 2

This Saturday sees a break from league duty as Rovers travel to Neilston in the South Challenge Cup.