Background

I’m enjoying the feeling of getting back into a regular football routine. Whether its season ticket duty, travels on the road or watching some daft game on the telly, it feels good to have the fitba’ back full-time.

I love covering and experiencing lower league games. I feel it is important to take in the culture of the clubs in tiers 5 and below and to see what it means to the countless communities who come out to support their local teams week in, week out. Games are different at this level. Passions run high, emotions flare and controversies are rife. There are often local bragging rights at stake, adding a different sense of disappointment after a loss and a heighted level of elation when winning. I’d have it no other way.

This week, I’m heading somewhere relatively local to me. Carluke lies a short distance from the North-South Lanarkshire border and roughly consists of around 15,000 people. Although it is mostly a commuter down to Glasgow and its surrounding areas, Carluke has a large amount of history within its borders, having first been documented way back in 1315. In the time between then and now, it has expanded a fair amount given its industrialised role. Carluke was often regarded as one of Lanarkshire’s major hubs for coal mining, cotton weaving, corn milling and bricks/glass production.

With a growing population, it is only natural for sports to play an important role in a town’s culture and identity. Since 1887, Carluke Rovers have been this presence. Formed originally as Carluke Milton Rovers, they have been a mainstay for the community for some time. During the late 1800s and early-mid 1900s, The Rovers have been relatively successful on a local level. The trophy cabinet is lined with a multitude of Lanarkshire Junior Cups, Hozier Cups and Lanarkshire Leagues. On a more recent note, Carluke’s West Central Second Division title remains the last piece of silverware won by the club.

Currently, after relegation last season, The Rovers play in the West of Scotland League’s Fourth Division – one of the basement leagues in the Scottish football pyramid. Although disappointing, it does mean the only way is up for the club. They’ll be mixing with some other established and historic clubs while also competing with some brand new entities in Scottish senior football. After three games of the current season, the club sit with a single win and two losses – not the ideal start. However, this weekend brings an encouraging challenge. They face Newmains United, a team ten minutes up the road. They were both relegated from the Third Division last season and so will provide a stern test on both sides. It was sure to be interesting.

Facilities

The John Cumming Stadium is named after one of The Rovers’ most famous sons. The Iron Man spent his younger years in Carluke before becoming an icon at Heart of Midlothian. He turned out 359 times for The Jambos as well as gaining nine Scotland caps. His legacy lives on through this purpose built community stadium which serves a multitude of purposes.

The first and most obvious amenity is the running track. Generally, they are seen as fairly unpopular in a football context and its understandable why. It limits the views of the action and puts a distance between the support and the players. However, I would say that Carluke’s home is definitely not the worst ground in Scotland to have a running track. The simplistic but purposeful main grandstand does give a decent view of proceedings and served as the main hub for supporters on the day.

The entirety of the pitch can be circumnavigated, with a large grass embankment behind one of the goals. I genuinely believe it is the best place to watch the action from, giving a superb view of proceedings, as well as giving the ability to take in the South Lanarkshire countryside in the background. I would highly recommend taking a wee wander up and plonking yourself down up the hill to watch at least a small part of the game.  

The food/drink facilities also speak for themselves, and fair play to the sole volunteer behind the counter providing all the punters’ needs.

As a whole, I quite enjoy the John Cumming Stadium. On face value, the running track isn’t great but there are certainly ways around it to enjoy the game from a different perspective. I feel it deserves a decent 3/5.

Atmosphere

The grandstand at the John Cumming was relatively full, with most other punters dotted around on the perimeter. While only a small number of spectators were in attendance, plenty of voices ensured they were heard throughout the game. It was also great to see a decent number of Newmains supporters travel the short distance to support their local team. They certainly added to the game’s audio. 2/5.

Quality of the Match

Both of these sides are still trying to find their feet in the Fourth Division and this was perhaps obvious in the first ten minutes with both teams feeling each other out. Carluke did muster the first real opportunity of the game. A free kick deep to the back post was met by the head of an advanced Rovers centre-back, only to be denied by the legs of Terry in the Newmains net.

That chance proved to be a warning for the opening goal. After some excellent build up play in the midfield, the ball made its way to striker Greg Miller who curled a wonderful effort into the back of the net. You could only feel it was a deserved lead after a period of consistent pressure.

Against the run of play though, Newmains equalised. After some midfield play of their own, the ball was played forward to Dan McGowan. The striker took a touch into the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike across goal into the top corner. A wonderful finish.

Carluke did not appear phased and continued to push forward. Their pressure was justified when the home side’s number ten found himself through on goal. The goalkeeper did well to prevent being rounded, but the rebound could only fall into the path of Greg Miller once more. The striker powered a half-volley into the bottom corner to give the lead back to the hosts.

It looked comfortable for Carluke, until a defensive error allowed the visitors to level once more. Too much time on the ball at the back allowed Dan McGowan the chance to bare down on goal. He successfully rounded the goalkeeper, kept his composure and slotted the ball home. 2-2.

The last opportunity of the opening forty-five fell to Carluke’s left-back. His free-kick brought a smart save out of Terry to end the half.

Half Time: Carluke Rovers 2-2 Newmains United

After four goals in the first half, it would take a whirlwind of action to beat it for entertainment. It started off well, with Dan McGowan sent through on goal once more. He successfully rounded the Carluke stopper but was tackled in the process. Thankfully for Newmains, veteran striker Kris Jarvie was on hand to tap the ball home to give the visitors the lead for the first time.

With Newmains taking the lead, the game slowed to a snail’s pace. A lack of quality in the final third allowed a period of quietness for both goalkeepers. This changed fifteen minutes from time. Another superb ball from the Newmains midfield broke the Carluke defensive lines. Kris Jarvie found himself one-on-one again and made no mistake by taking the ball round the goalkeeper and slotting home. The visitors had breathing space.

Not for long though. With a couple of minutes left, a long throw into the visitor’s box was not dealt with. The hesitation allowed Greg Miller the opportunity to poke him from close range to seal his hattrick and provide what everyone thought would be a nervy ending, especially with an overhead kick going incredibly close on the next attack.

However, with a minute to play, Newmains broke forward. Their number fourteen was sent through on goal and shot from just outside the box. The strike was low and powerful enough to beat Carluke’s ‘keeper and officially seal the points for the visitors.

Full Time: Carluke Rovers 3-5 Newmains United

After a mostly dominating first-half performance, Carluke will be disappointed to have taken nothing from the game. They failed to make the most of their chances and allowed the visitors back into the game with poor defensive work. However, it looks as though The Rovers have an incredibly young squad who will only get better as the season goes on. If they can gel together quickly and reflect on their performances I believe they’ll be absolutely fine this season.

Newmains will be delighted to have come from behind to win this one. They rode their luck at times with sustained pressure and took their chances when they became available. Dan McGowan and Kris Jarvie in particular kept their cool when the time was right to give the visitors three valuable points.

As a whole, I was treated to eight goals, a battling performance from both sides and plenty of action. I feel this spectacle deserves a solid 4/5.

Pricing

As with all matches at this level, the value for money is incredible. I paid £6 for entry, meaning I paid a measly 75p per goal. The food and drink prices were also unreal. I paid £2.60 for a (class) curry pie and a coffee. Eight goals and a good time all for under a tenner. I wish I could give more than a 5/5.

Final Score

Carluke Rovers end the day with a solid 14/20. I enjoyed my time at the John Cumming Stadium and feel that The Rovers represent their community well. Despite a disappointing result on the day, it is clear to see how well respected they are in this humble South Lanarkshire town. They are definitely worth a visit, even if it is just to take in the view from the hill.

– Connor