Clydesdale Cup Semi-Final
Monday 13th July 2026
Kick Off 20.15 Actual 20.18
Carluke Rovers 0 Lanark United 1, attendance 143
35’ 0-1
@ The John Cumming Stadium
135 Carnwath Road
Carluke
ML8 4EA
£7 Admission
No Programme.
The John Cumming Stadium is in the east of the town, at the rear of Carluke High School. It’s a 3G pitch, set inside an 8 lane running track. There’s a section of covered standing on the changing room side of the ground, flanked by three open steps of terrace that run to the corners. Grass banking runs behind the left hand goal end, running around and along about twenty yards of the far side. As with the game at Glenvale on Friday night, spare goals (three on each side) are lazily left along each touchline, which really limits the view for spectators and made even worse due to the track already distancing you from the action. It really isn’t good enough, especially when clubs are charging admission, not that the club will give a toss whether spectators can see the pitch or not, as long as they’ve got your money.
The game was an all West of Scotland League tie, with Division 3 hosting Division 1. It was hard fought, as you’d expect from a local derby with a cup final place at stake, even if you only have to win two games to actually win it. Lanark took the lead ten minutes before halftime. I was distracted during the build up, so have no idea how it came about, just seeing the action seconds before the ball crossed the line. Carluke’s best chance came ten minutes into the second half, when a long throw in was met with a volley that was well saved by the ‘keeper. Lanark should have put the game out of sight with nineteen minutes left, but they missed a penalty, easily saved by the home ‘keeper. Ten minutes later they brought out another save from the ‘keeper, when a corner played short was tipped over as it headed for the top corner.
If the dreadful viewing/sight lines weren’t bad enough, we were also subjected to an absolute battering from the midges too, making the second half almost unbearable.
Lanark will now play the winners of the Lesmahagow versus Forth Wanderers tie in next week’s final.
Below photos show typical poor spectator viewing at these type of grounds.
