Month: April 2018

Vale of Leithen 1 Edusport Academy 1

Vale 1 Edusport 1

Vale had manager Chris Anderson on the bench for this game due to a depleted squad because of work commitments and injuries.
With Rangers youth coach, Billy Kirkwood, in attendance the game got under way on a very soft surface, which appeared to suit Vale more than the visitors.
Edusport were under pressure at all corner kicks and on a few occasions Vale should have taken advantage with several headers that missed the target.
On 20 mins Vale took the lead when a move down the left resulted in Dawson moving into the box and slotting home.
Vale were the dominate side for the rest of the first half.
HT 1-0

The second half was more even with both teams having periods of pressure, although the main chances were falling to the Vale. The visitors breakaways were giving some problems to the Vale defence, as Vale mounted attacks to try to increase their lead. However, in the 71 mins, Edusport equalised when a cross from the wide right was volleyed home by Higgins.
Vale were still giving the visitors problems with corners and free kicks into the box, where on several occasions only desperate defending prevented Vale from regaining the lead.
Anderson who had come on for McBride nearly scored when his shot flew over the bar.
The visitors were still dangerous on the break and only some good defending stopped them from scoring.
A good performance from the Vale who can consider themselves unlucky not to take the three points on a very difficult surface.
FT 1-1
Man of the Match by sponsor Ken Brown was Steven Lynch.

Civil Service Strollers 4 Vale of Leithen 0

Civil Service Strollers 4 Vale 0

Straight from the kick off it was clear that Strollers aerial threat and physical strength were going to give Vale problems, and that’s what it did for the full game.
This was highlighted in 5 mins when a cross into the box was headed back into six yard box by Fronde, where McConnell headed home from close range.
Strollers nearly increased their lead in 16 mins when a Clapperton shot came of the post before being cleared.
Gilpin saved Vale in the 22 mins with a good save from Downie.
Against the run of play in 25 mins Vale had a good shout for a penalty when an on rushing Finnie appeared to be upended by the Strollers goalkeeper, however the referee waved play on.
Strollers increased their lead in 36 mins when a cross into the box was not cleared and Churchill prodded.
The first half finished with Vale on the defensive and lucky to be only two goals down
HT 2-0

Vale replaced Lewis with Dawson at the change and started the half with a more positive approach.
However, in 50 mins normal service was resumed as a Mair cross was headed home by McConnell to give Strollers a 3-0 lead.
In 60 mins Strollers increased their lead further when Fronde fired home.
The rest of the game was played out with Strollers in the ascendancy.
Vale replaced Raiker with Alexander to no avail and the final whistle was blown with no further goals.
FT 4-0

A day when Vale just never got started and hopefully a blimp on the comeback trail. A bit of credit to Strollers who played really well on the day.