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.” 

Vale launch new home kit

Vale of Leithen have launched their new home kit for the upcoming season, thanks to new home kit sponsor BARC Travel.

The new Adidas kit, in traditional dark blue, has been supplied by sports kit supplier Football Nation, and will bear the BARC Travel logo on the front.

John Anderson, Vice Chairman, said: “We would like to thank BARC Travel for their continued sponsorship. They are also our Travel Sponsor, providing mini buses for our away games, and we are delighted they have agreed to also become our home kit sponsor. Support from businesses and individuals are crucial to the continued development of the club.”

Supporters can purchase the new home kit through the club’s online website shop.

Ando adds duo to squad

Manager Chris Anderson has made two additions to his squad this week.

Forward Reece Wyllie joins the cub having played at Dalkeith Thistle, Haddington Athletic and Newtongrange.

He will be joined by defender Graeme Campbell. Graeme played in the US with St Louis Lions, before returning to Scotland, playing with latterly with Cumnock-based junior side, Lugar Boswell, who have since joined the new West of Scotland League. 

Chris said: ” It’s great to have Reece and Graeme on board, and we all look forward to a successful season ahead.”