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.

Vale 1 Whitehill Welfare 0
This rescheduled Challenge Cup 3rd Round tie was played out on a very heavy which had deteriorated from the morning inspection due to some rain/sleet showers.
Vale had also decided to rest Hunter and Dawson, with both being listed as Subs.
With a good crowd in attendance despite the weather it was obvious from the kick off that today was going to be tough going for both sides.
With both sides showing an appetite for a physical battle it was Vale who drew first blood in the 15 min when after a nice move a cross from Smith was knocked home by Sean Stewart.
The rest of the first half was played out with both sides evenly matched and both goalkeepers performing well when required.
HT 1-0
The second half started with Welfare on the offensive and the Vale defence standing firm. For all their early pressure Welfare were not giving any problems to Gilpin in the Vale goal.
As the half progressed Vale were beginning to recover their first half composure and had a couple of half chances, whilst at the other end of the pitch Welfare were also struggling to create any clear cut chances.
Both teams utilised their full quota of subs during the second half, as the ground conditions were beginning to have an effect on some players.
Welfare position deteriorated in the 87 min when their full back Reid pulled Stewart back during a Vale attack and was shown his second yellow card.
FT 1-0
Taking the pitch conditions into consideration both teams put up a decent show for the fans, and Vale merited the victory which now means a trip to Cumbernauld Colts in the next round.
The sponsors Man of the Match as selected by Andrew Caldwell of Caldwell’s Luxury Ice Creams was Sean Stewart