Selkirk FC 1 Vale 1
The main talking point of this game can only be the referee who bewildered the Vale supporters with some terrible decisions.
Due to work commitments Vale had Kerr and Raiker missing from their midfield.
A sudden downpour on commencement of the game left the pitch with a very slippery surface which was giving both teams some problems. With Selkirk having the wind at their back the majority of the first half was spent in the Vale half without really creating many chances. Selkirk were playing a lot long balls forward, mainly over hit due to the winds.
An uneventful first half suddenly turned against Vale when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after he adjudged that Lewis had pushed a Selkirk player, when a ball was crossed into the box.
After a few protests from the Vale players, justice was done when Baxter crashed the ball against the crossbar.
HT 0-0
In the first minute of the second half Stewart was brought down as he made his way into the box, only for the referee to give a corner kick.
With Vale showing a lot more urgency the Vale were caught out in the 50 minutes when the Selkirk winger was allowed space on the right and made his way into the box where his cross was turned into his own goal by Lewis.
In 55 minutes Stewart was one to one with the Selkirk goalie only for his shot to rebound off the goalie’s leg.
Vale were now starting to take control and were rewarded in the 65 minutes when Dawson scored from close range.
Vale brought on Chris Anderson for Lewis as they chased the winner.
The game was now opening up and Liall Smith almost put Vale ahead in 73 minutes when his volley just missed the top corner.
Vale then had another good claim for a penalty when Stewart was again fouled in the box, again ignored by the referee.
Both teams had chances to score, with the miss of the match coming in the 80 minutes when the Selkirk number 11 managed to turn a cross over the bar two metres from the goal line.
FT 1-1
A really good performance from the boys in the second half deserved a win, and only some terrible refereeing decisions prevented that.