JOHNSTONE Burgh’s promotion surge hit the buffers on Saturday with a grounding 3-1 defeat to Carluke at Keanie Park.

It was simply a case of failing to get out the traps for Burgh, as they were blown away in the first-half, and left with an uphill battle following the sending off of keeper Fraser Wilson.

The visitors started the better with Gordon Murphy going close following a neat bass from Ian Watt.

Further chances came and went for Murphy and Jonny Greir, but Carluke wouldn’t have to wait long to grab a well-deserved opener.

Watt disposed his marker in the midfield, before feeding Jonny Wilson, who played in Ryan Smillie. The midfielder took one touch before cutting back to Watt who hammered home to make it 1-0.

Wilson was then sent packing following a last-man challenge just outside the box, which was greeted with little complaint from the Burgh bench.

Rovers doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute, with Watt once again on target, converting beyond sub keeper Gavin Wallace to give the visitors a comfortable lead.

Half-time: Johnstone Burgh 0-2 Carluke Rovers. Burgh came out a side rejuvenated in the second half and looked to find their way back in the game. The home side were encouraged as Carluke failed to capitalise on a few chances and Jason HARDIE made the most of a well-delivered corner to make it 2-1 with only 25 minutes remaining.

However, Carluke looked the more dangerous despite 10-man Burgh enjoying a fair share of the possession.

Going in chase of a point, Burgh looked lost at the back and eventually conceded a third in the 88th minute to seal the win.

Burgh manager Colin Smith told Gazette Sport: “We just failed to get going on Saturday and that was the most disappointing thing. We can have no real complaints about the scoreline.

“But the second half display was positive, we lived a bit dangerously at the back and we were ultimately punished but I saw enough there to carry into next week’s game with Muirkirk.

“It is a long season and there are plenty of games still left to play. I have full faith in this time and we are moving in the right direction.”