Watt and Cassidy ensure Rovers’ ideal start goes on

Carluke Rovers made it two wins out of two in the league by seeing off Ashfield 2-1 at home.

Mark Weir (pictured) set up the opener in 29 minutes for Ian Watt, who allowed the ball to drop over his shoulder before firing a great volley into the net.

Mark Cassidy gave Rovers some breathing space when he drilled a Reece Lowden pass low into the net.

Paul Maxwell pulled one back for Ashfield ten minutes from time but Rovers held on to keep pace with Vale of Leven at the top of the league.

Elsewhere, Lanark United led 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining but a dubious penalty and an equaliser four minutes into injury-time gave Royal Albert a 2-2 draw.

Albert were lucky to keep 11 men on the field after a horror tackle forced Ronan Kearny off with a knee injury.

After a goalless first-half, Sean Mckenna won a penalty, which he scored before Martin Hannaway met a corner-kick to head in goal number two in 66 minutes.

Chris Dolan pulled one back for Albert from the spot on 81 minutes after Jason Mccrorie was harshly penalised for a tussle inside the box.

Alan Campbell then struck at the death to stun Lanark.

Bellshill Athletic slipped down to sixth spot after a 5-3 home defeat to Vale of Clyde.

Three times they went behind but equalised through Lee Nicol (twice) and Jamie Stewart for a 3-3 half-time draw.

Manager Robert Sneddon said: “it was a bad day, with too many players having an off day. We did well to pull back to level terms three times, then Vale hit us with two late second-half goals.”

Newmains United went down 7-1 at St Anthony’s, with manager Kevin Muirhead commenting: “we were absolutely awful — even the goal we got was an own goal.

“I’m on the look-out for new players – anyone interested call me on 07572 681641.”