Chris Anderson watched on as his Vale Of Leithen side ran out comfortable winners against Edinburgh United at Meggatland with a 2-0 scorline.

Vale looking to blend their new signings into the squad started brightly in what was a well contested first half of football. It was however on the half hour mark that Vale found their first after some neat build up play saw new signing Marc Berry ghosting through the United defence before slotting the ball smartly past Walker. Vale continued to dominate in possession before the HT whistle sounded.

The second half saw the manager make a few changes. This maybe altered the tempo for a short period as United began to take hold of the game. Vale went on to increase their lead however as last seasons player of the year Sean Stewart sped off after a neat midfield pass sent him through on goal. With good control and a confident strike the ball found its way past Walker for a second time. Vale could’ve and should’ve wrapped things up moments later. It was Stewart once again causing havoc to Uniteds backline. Rounding the goalkeeper his eventual shot was bundled off the line by the recovering defender.

With 15 minutes to go the Manager was delighted to re-introduce club captain James Elliot to the fray. James has endured a difficult 18 month period on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury. Everyone at the club would like to wish James the very best for the 18/19 season, it certainly was great to see the big man back on the field of play. As the game came into its final stages Vale looked strong and composed. The referee ended proceedings in which was a great exercise for both. Edinburgh United 0-2 Vale Of Leithen.

The gaffer had this to say afterwards  “I was pleased overall with today’s efforts. It’s important to get the minutes and the sharpness back into the legs and today was a good work out.”

Chris then went on to say,

“On a personal note I was delighted for James Elliot today. It’s been a long time coming for him. He’s been working hard behind the scenes so it was great to see him back on the pitch.”

Edinburgh United 0 Vale of Leithen 2
Today’s match was about getting the new players blended in and getting some match fitness.
With this in mind Vale used their 16 available players during the match.
The first half fairly even pressure wise until the 31 min when Vale took the lead.
Marc Berry ran from midfield going past a few United players before getting on the end of a one two to slot the ball past the United goalie.
For the rest of the half the Vale were the dominate team playing some nice football.
HT 0-1
The second half started with Vale making a few changes and under some pressure from United.
However, in the 51 min Vale increased their lead when the United defence was cut apart from a pass that landed at the feet of Sean Stewart who controlled it and despatched confidently passed the goalie.
From then on in the Vale played some good football and should gone further ahead when Stewart rounded the goalie only for his shot to be cleared of the line by a defender.
A bonus for the Vale came 15 mins from the end when James Elliot made a return after 18 months of injury. (See photos)
A good all round performance at this stage by the team.
FT 0-2

With the club recently announcing that Vale will be taking on newly promoted SPFL side Livingston and the current SPFL champions Glasgow Celtic as part of their pre season schedule, we felt it was great timing to catch up with the Gaffer Chris Anderson and chat all things pre season.

Ando told us “It’s obviously at a time when there’s a real excitement throughout football. There’s a sense of anticipation and optimism for all clubs during pre season. Concentrating on ourselves however we’ve had a demanding start on the training pitch.”

“I am delighted with our recruitment this summer, for me it’s been the most talented squad I’ve worked with during my 3 years at Victoria Park and expectations within the group are higher than ever.”

Valeofleithen.co.uk asked the manager if he was relishing the task of locking horns with both Livingston and Celtic over the coming weeks.

“These games are naturally seen as special games due to their magnitude. As a club we are extremely grateful for these opportunities. We hope the community come out and get involved too. Every game in pre season is seen as a building block though. It’s important to get the minutes into the legs and it also helps the new players gel with the squad. We are in a very good place.”

The manager will have to wait a little longer than expected before he and his coaching team will be able to assess the boys on their first 90 minutes. Tomorrow nights game vs Peebles Rovers as stated has fell foul to the blistering hot weather which has affected the Whitestone Park turf.