Month: October 2017

Vale of Leithen v Selkirk FC 7th Oct 2017

This Saturday we have a very important match as the team struggles second bottom of the Lowland League.

This season has just been one injury after another and with a player sent off in each of the last two games it has been very restrictive in establishing a settled team. We don’t appear to be getting any breaks at all and last night’s performance was just typical of our luck, playing well until one of our centre backs was send off in a very harsh decision with the score at 0-0.

Vale operate on a very low budget compared to other teams in the league, and in some cases these other teams have investors who are injecting cash into the clubs with the intention of getting their teams into the senior leagues. Unfortunately Vale will never be in that situation unless a fairy godmother decides to make Innerleithen their base. We accept that we are really punching above our weight and that staying in the Lowland League is our priority, with hopefully a run in a few of the cups. This being the case it maintains a good level of football for spectators is on show in the town every second week.

A look at the league table statistics really tells the story, we have not scored enough goals and lost too many, which is what you would expect from a team that changes every week due to off field related problems e.g. long term injuries etc.

This week is the National Non League Day which is encouraging spectators who normally go to senior games to attend minor games, and we will take part in this with some special deals for adults bringing kids along. If kids are there at 1.30pm our Manager will show them around the dressing rooms and let them meet some players.

From the club’s perspective, outwith the match results, everything this year has been on the up, bigger crowds, more sponsorship and more help with running the club.

It would be great to see your support continue and hopefully when we get the team settled we can start to turn the corner, we must be overdue a break one way or another. There is still a good few games left to correct the situation, especially homes games where the support can really encourage the team.

So thanks again for the support and “KEEP FAITH”

Spartans 5-0 Vale of Leithen

The game started brightly for Vale who were giving as good as they were getting from Spartans with the game evenly balanced and only a excellent save from Carswell from Chris Anderson in the 18 min preventing the Vale from taking the lead.

However, the balance of the game changed in the 22 min when some slack passing by the Vale defence resulted in a Steven Lynch shirt tugging incident some 20 yards from goal, which referee Luke regarded as a goal scoring chance and subsequently gave Lynch a red card. Harsh to say the least as the opposing player was not directly in line with the goal and there were Vale players close by.

From the resultant free kick the ball came crashing back of the bar and a looping header from Corbett appeared to deceive Beveridge before ending up in the net, 24min.

Vale now facing an uphill struggle and in the 34 min Atkinson headed home at the back post.

Things got worse for Vale when after a sharp turn in the box by Atkinson resulted in Lewis tripping him. Allum netted the penalty, 44 min.

HT 3-0

Vale made a change at half time with Anderson being replaced by Graham.

Although Vale were getting more of the ball initially with only 10 men and the quality of the Spartans team they were starting to be given a torrid time and it was only a matter of time before they lost another goal, and that came in the 56 min when after a solo run, Wilson beat Beveridge with a well placed shot that went in via the post.

Vale did respond when Stewart had a close range effort brilliantly stopped by Carswell.

Scoring was completed in the 81 min when Brown netted with a well placed shot.

FT 5-0

Spartans v Vale of Leithen 3rd Oct KO 7.45 Ainslie Park

Lowland League game away to Spartans on Tuesday 3rd October in Edinburgh.

Another difficult game against title chasing Spartans, although beaten there in the Scottish Cup a few weeks ago a similar performance by Vale would give us an outside chance of getting something from the match.

Non League Day 2017

Vale of Leithen

SLFL SUPPORTING Non League Day 2017

This day is being promoted nationally to encourage football fans to support grass root football.

At the home game against Selkirk FC kids/adults will be offered the opportunity to visit Victoria Park and be shown round the dressing rooms and meet some of the players.

Any adults accompanying a kid will be given the opportunity watch the game for half the admission price £3.00.

Anyone wishing to take part in the tour will require to be at the park by 1330

As this is an international weekend with no major senior games, any fan showing a season ticket for a fully professional team will get admission for £3.00

Have a good day out at a local Borders derby