Month: September 2020

Vale beat Peebles in local pre season friendly

The Vale continued their pre season preparations with a 3-2 victory over Peebles Rovers at Whitestone Park.

Vale dominated possession from the start and eventually broke the deadlock after 25 minutes when trialist Aaron Laidlaw crossed from the left hand side and Donny Ndweni drove into the net.

Defender Martin Brogan grabbed his first goal for the club in his first game. Brogan had already missed a great chance when he headed the ball just wide of the right post, when a similar ball from a Donny Ndweni corner saw Brogan head home after 32 minutes to make it 2-0 to the Vale at half time.

Peebles came out determined in the second half and pulled a goal back after 46 minutes after the Vale were caught at the back. The Vale got their third on 66mins when a through ball saw new boy Reece Wyllie one on one with the keeper. His initial shot was saved but Wyllie slotted home at the second attempt. Peebles grabbed a consolation goal just before the final whistle.

Full Time: Peebles Rovers 2 Vale of Leithen 3

Vale continued their pre season campaign with upcoming fixtures this week against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale (Wed 23 Sept, 8.15KO, Saughton Enclosure) and Upper Annandale (Sat 26, 2pm KO, Victoria Park). All games are behind closed doors.

League Fixtures Released

Competitive football will begin on Saturday 10 October when we open the Lowland League season away at Berwick Rangers.

Our first home game will be on Tuesday 13 October against newly promoted Bo’ness United.

There will be a New Year’s Border Derby on 4th January, when we host Gala Fairydean at Victoria Park.

Vice Chairman John Anderson “Everyone is delighted that football is getting under way again. Initially the games will be behind closed doors but we hope spectators will be allowed back into grounds.”

Manager Chris Anderson said: “All the boys are eager to get started. We all want to get off to a good start and build momentum. Everyone is looking forward to 10th October.”

A full list of fixtures are on the club website – valeofleithen.co.uk

Friendly: Vale of Leithen 3 Linton Hotspur 0

The Vale are finally back playing football. Linton Hotspur were the visitors to Victoria Park in the first pre season friendly of the season, albeit a behind closed doors affair.

The Vale dominated from start to finish, and Michael Robertson got the first goal of the season midway through the first half when a Jonny Grotlin shot was blocked by the keeper only to see Robertson slot home from six yards out.

Linton Hotspur’s only chance of the game came just before half time, when they won a corner on the left hand side, and with the wind picking up, new Vale stopper Ben McGinley was forced to make a great save, tipping the ball over the goal.

The second half continued to see wave after wave of Vale attack and this was rewarded when Brad Rixon fired home from a corner. Manager Chris Anderson almost scored what would have been the goal of the season but his left footed shot flew wide. New midfielder Donovan Ndweni was brought down inside the box, and then converted the penalty.

Full Time: Vale 3 Linton Hotspur 0

Football close to restarting at Victoria Park

Football is close to restarting at Victoria Park as the Vale continue their pre season preparations. 

The club have been working hard to ensure compliance with the SFA Return to Football Protocols and Scottish Government guidance, including carrying out a full risk assessment on Victoria Park and producing Match Day protocols and guidance. 

Subject to approval from authorities, the Vale hope to have their first pre season friendly match on Saturday 12 September against West Linton amateur side Linton Hotspur. It will be behind closed doors match with no supporters allowed at this stage. 

Vice Chairman and COVID Officer, John Anderson, “Everyone is looking forward to getting football playing again at Victoria Park, albeit without fans. The club have worked hard to ensure we meet government and SFA requirements and create a safe environment for players. Hopefully this is the start of the journey towards having fans back at football.”