Proof if ever it was needed that the form book tends to go out the window in derby matches came at New Southcroft Park last night as Cambuslang Rangers ran out deserved 1-0 winners over arch-rivals Rutherglen Glencairn.

Team manager Paul McColl made only a couple of changes to the team that suffered an 8-1 weekend humiliation at the hands of Blantyre Vics.

Memories of that result had even the most diehard Wee Gers supporters looking anxiously through their fingers as the game kicked off in glorious sunshine.

But their fears were to be soon allayed as a fired-up visiting line-up began in dominant fashion over the early stages and even had the ball in the net after just seven minutes.

Though it has to be said former Glens frontman Thomas “Deco” Kilmartin was clearly offside before stroking the ball beyond home goalkeeper J.C. Hutchison.

Glencairn were struggling to assert themselves in an attacking sense and their frustrations surfaced in yellow cards for Chris Zok and Tony Fraser prior to midfielder Sean McGuire passing up a glorious scoring chance to open the scoring against the run of play when he blasted wide after Dennis McLaughlin played him clean through on goal.

Towards half-time Cambuslang regained their early initiative and came even closer to getting their noses in front.

First, ex-Glens frontman Jamie McLeod cut in from the left to blast a fierce shot against the upright prior to Chris Faulds running clear and rounding the grounded Hutchison, who nevertheless managed to get back and prevent the striker’s parting shot from finding the net.

Team boss Willie Harvey’s tongue lashing during the interval and the introduction of former Arthurlie midfielder Alan Muir as a substitute undoubtedly worked the oracle in sparking an improvement in the home side as both Zok and McGuire missed scoring opportunities .

But the visitors were not to be denied and their persistence paid off when former Pollok midfielder Ryan McBeth, one of the most accomplished players afield, fired them ahead with a well-struck shot from just inside the box just after the hour mark .

Glencairn pressed hard to try and get back on level terms, however the assured handling of goalkeeper John Mullen allied to no-nonsense defending from Paul McLaughlin and Ross Gillan immediately in front of him ensured the back door was kept shut to clinch a memorable victory.

Delighted boss McColl admitted afterwards , “I won’t dwell on last Saturday or stand here and make excuses but tonight you have seen what this group of Cambuslang Rangers players can achieve by working hard and with their heads in the game.

“Winning was just the icing on the cake for a terrific all-round display and our dressing room is upbeat with everyone already looking forward to Saturday’s game at home to Vale of Clyde.

“ I knew the players had it in them and I’m so pleased they got their reward and that supporters were going about with smiles on their faces again.”

Biggest shock of the night arrived at McKenna Park where Thomas Miller and Gareth Timmoney goals helped 10-man St Anthonys to a 2-0 triumph over Arthurlie whose arch foes Pollok overcame Benburb 3-0 with scores from Kevin Bradley, Chris Walker and Alan McKenzie.

Cup holders Cumbernauld United lost out 2-0 against Rob Roy for whom Kevin Watt and Danny McKenzie were on target and the same scoreline sufficed for Clydebank against rivals Yoker Athletic thanks to Nikky Little and Joel Kasabundi counters.

Ardagh Glass Cup holders Glenafton made it two wins out of two in emerging as 2-0 victors over Kello Rovers but trail Auchinleck Talbot on goals difference following Talbot’s 7-1 hammering of Muirkirk with Willie Wells , Graeme Wilson, Keir Millike , own goal, Billy Findlay, David Gillies and Gordon Pope on the mark.

Lugar Boswell defeated Cumnock 1-0 while deadly hitman Stewart Kean helped himself to four of Hurlford United’s goals in a 6-2 battering of Irvine Vics.

Josh McArthur and Andy reid were the men who mattered in Beith’s 2-0 triumph at home to derby rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside and Ardrossan Winton Rovers slipped up in only drawing 1-1 at home to Dalry Thistle.