Our next game is at home to Civil Service Strollers in the Lowland League.

The Strollers have recently beat BSC Glasgow and Gretna 2008 and seem to be in good form at present.

With the Vale injury problems subsiding and the team also beginning to hit a bit form should be a good game.

 

Today’s game postponed.

A refereeing decision which did not meet with the satisfaction of both managers who wanted the game to go ahead.

The game will be re-arranged for a future date.

Chris Anderson reckons it is about time Vale of Leithen had some cup glory. And last weekend’s derby victory could well be the perfect launching pad.

Ahead of today’s South Challenge Cup match against Upper Annandale from the South of Scotland League, Anderson is fantasising about a day in the sun with some silverware.

If his team keep up the level of performance from last Saturday’s 3-1 win at Gala Fairydean Rovers then his dreams may just come true.

He believes it was an indication of just what they can achieve after a slow start to the season. Anderson said: “From day one I’ve said the cup games are important to the team and today’s game is another challenge for us to build on last week’s performance.

“It’s always nice to dream and it’s been far too long since this old club has had some success.

“Last week’s performance against Gala was as good as we’ve been this season and probably in my time as manager of the club. Not only was it a much needed three points against our local rivals but also the manner of our display proved we are a capable side.”

During the difficult run Anderson and his players were not helped by a combination of a crippling injury list and unavailabilities for various other reasons.

It may be no coincidence that the improved performance came when there was almost a full squad to choose from. Andy Martin and Tommy Patterson are now set to return to bolster his options further, along with the return to the club of both Ally Smith and Jack Blaikie.

“One factor leading into today’s game is the return of a number of players from injury. The strength of the squad has been tested and I’m pleased to see Andy Martin and Tommy Patterson return.

“I was also keen to continue our strengthening of the squad by adding Jack Blaikie and Ally Smith both will be fantastic additions”, added Anderson.

This Saturday Vale are at home to Upper Annandale in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup Round 2.

Uppers, as they are called, play in the South of Scotland League and are based in Moffat.

At present Uppers are sitting in the bottom half of the league, and on current form the Vale would be regarded as favourites.

However, as with any cup competition nothing can be taken for granted.

The Saffron Indian Restaurant from Innerleithen will be the Match Sponsor.

Vale’s injury problems have been improving and after last week’s good performance against Selkirk, Chris was able to field a more settled team.

From the start Vale were the more prominent team with the majority of possession and had most of the chances in the first half. The Rovers were still dangerous on the break and the Vale defence had to called into action on a few occasions to thwart attacks.

As has happened in many cases this season the break of the ball in the Rovers penalty box would just not fall to Vale. Vale finished the first half with a couple of players limping.

HT 0-0

The second half resumed with two Vale substitutions, Smith for McBride and S.Stevens for J.Stevens.

This appeared to have an affect on the Vale and during the first 10 minutes they were under the cosh as Rovers were starting to take control.

However, Vale gradually started to get control again and were rewarded in the 56 minute when a knockdown in the Rovers box was volleyed home by Kerr Allan.

Vale were now in control and were playing some good football and following a corner from Kerr Allan, Shaun Stevens pounced to drive home number two in the 75 minute.

Another substitute Matt Graham was beginning to give Rovers a lot of problems on their left side and from one of his mazy runs he cut into the box and unleashed a unstoppable shot to make it 3-0 in the 83 minute.

Rover’s player Noble scored a consolation goal in the 90 minute.

FT 1-3