Gasworks Park, Larkhall
Larkhall Thistle v Carluke Rovers
Central League First Division
A much reduced report today as Ian is working away and I am injured so basically just a summary of the goals and major incidents. After last week’s dismal display at Arniston Dunky made changes. Stewart Thomson replaced Alan Colquhoun, Niall Reynolds replaced Andy Brown, Neil Schoneville returned with Hugh Kelly replacing Mark McKeever and Josh Payne and Gary McStay replacing Graham Gracie and Matty Clarke.
On a heavy pitch Thistle were soon under pressure and Carluke took the lead with a back post header. Niall Reynolds had to be replaced by Andy Brown after 21 minutes due to injury. Thistle equalised in 26 minutes with a great finish from David Reid which gave the Carluke keeper no chance. However from that point until half-time Thistle conceded another three goals and manager Sinclair replaced Neil Schoneville with Graham Gracie and moved Hugh Kelly into the back four. At half time the Thistle supporters feared the worst.
Half time: Larkhall Thistle 1 Carluke Rovers 4
The Thistle players came out determined to try and get back into the game and were rewarded with a second goal. The ball came back off the post after a melee in the box, a Carluke defender in attempting to clear only succeeded in smashing the ball off his own keeper and into the net. Thistle then once again shot themselves in the foot when Gary McStay was given a red card for dissent after the referee refused his penalty claim.
Carluke added a fifth goal in 70 minutes with a great strike giving Thomson no chance.
In 76 minutes Brian Felvus replaced Brian Jack and Thistle pulled one back in the 90th minute from the penalty spot through Graham Gracie.
Full time: Larkhall Thistle 3 Carluke Rovers 5
Larkhall Thistle:
Thomson; Reynolds (Brown), Marshall, Schoneville, (Gracie) Nicholl; Innes, Kelly, Jack(Felvus), Payne; Reid, McStay Subs: McKeever, Doyle
On what was another disastrous day for the Jags, the old failing of lack of discipline cost them in the end. This is a very competitive league to win games with 11 on the park far less 10 but today’s man of the match is David Reid.
Changing half the team at the one time is a big shout, looks like the gamble didn’t pay off. Not really had a settled team for a while for one reason or another.
Hi Ian no sense in carrying a big squad of players if the manager for whatever reason does not utilise and make changes which he feels are necessary .