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Can only agree with this. All the teams we beat in the cup have been doing well enough in their respective leagues and we thoroughly deserved to beat them all. We should have beaten Troon over there. Only Rossvale outplayed us on the plastic so we have taken a lot of confidence from those games. We have certainly upped our game against the better opposition.Our "poor start" was beat VoL ( promotion contenders), drew with The Gow ( possible champions) and lost to Ashfield ( promotion contenders). I don't think we have changed our squad that much. Our squad is very young ( apart from Haddow!). Forced into changing left back when Craig Stark had his leg broken at Newmains but, other than that we are largely the same core squad we started the season with. Very subjective argument. We shall see what happens. If we can both consolidate next season in the higher league, I will take that.

.Agreed. We'd have happily taken promotion at the start of the season.If we falter and you don't then you will deserve it. No question. I have enjoyed the fact that there has been no trash talk and no animosity. Your manager has said some good stuff in the local paper. I had a good chat with him when he was over at one of our games. The main thing is we are both up. Would be good if Carluke could join us to keep the rivalries going.

Was only ribbing you. You can only beat what is in front of you and I can't imagine it was pleasant at the time. I was getting uncomfortable yesterday as you don't like to see boys humiliated.

Indeed. Another reason why we will be rooting for Ashfield next weekend as we still have them and Muirkirk to play. An Ashfield victory takes them both out of the equation.

Indeed but almost 20% of those were scored in one game against 8 and then 7 men, if memory serves me correctly !

Ashfield result next weekend would deflate Muirkirk before we have to go play them.

If Ashfield win at VoC next weekend, only 3 wins by Carluke can prevent them from coming up with Lanark and Gow.

Well done. That is an excellent result for you. Our keeper was a no show today - no one knows why. Our captain had to go in goal plus wee Chucky was still suspended. We won 8-0 and it should have been by a lot more but our first goal was against the run of play! Hat off to Saltcoats, they kept trying. They are a decent bunch - no kicking or getting arsey although one of their young lads got 2 soft yellows and then another red for mouthing at the ref to leave his team to play with 10 for 30 minutes.

Just realised how many teams can still secure the 3rd spot. Ashfield, VoL, VoC, Carluke and Muirkirk Muirkirk can get the highest points total if they win all their games but have the poorest goal difference which could be worth a point. Fixture organisation not done Carluke any favours. No league game for another 2 weeks and then 3 inside a week.

We are in no doubt about that, hence the desire for you to get a result today. It is double edged - the more points you secure the harder it will be for us when we visit. Bottom line is we all have to focus on ourselves and the rest will take care of itself. For example, we must not allow ourselves to be complacent today and ensure we secure 3 points, regardless of the scoreline.

Huge game at Muirkirk today for both teams. If they want promotion they are going to have to beat The Gow, which is a big ask. A point may be enough however lads!

Next weekend at Muirkirk is going to be a big game. They can ill afford to lose any more points so, like you, will have it all to play for. We are at home to Saltcoats.

We are indeed. I don't think we have been that lucky, apart from our friend at Thorniewood coming onto the field of play and booting the ball in the air to give us the free kick in injury time from which we scored. There is a belief about the team where the heads don't go down. The old cliche' - they have got the winning habit.

Lanark 2 Johnstone 1 Again, not a great performance but a great result on a bumpy pitch in windy conditions.

Thank you!. Excellent data to have.