Vale of Leithen 3 Stirling University 2
A pitch inspection was carried out at 9.30am, where the pitch was deemed as playable.
At time of kick off the pitch can only be described as very heavy with a strong wind beginning to surface.
The University won the toss and decided to play the first half with the wind.
It was obvious from the kick off that the wind was going to be a major factor in the outcome of the game.
The first half was totally dominated by the University and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 19 min when initially after some slack play in the midfield resulted in Geddes firing home in the penalty area.
Although the University were in the ascendancy the Vale nearly equalised just before half time when Dawson should have scored from six yards.
The second half commenced with Vale pressing forward with the wind at their backs as were rewarded in the 54 min when a free kick in front of the University goal was played to Allan who drilled home the equaliser.
Vale were beginning to take control and were rewarded in the 57 min when Dawson hammered home a fine goal from within the penalty area.
Vale continued to dominated and scored a third in the 69 min when Dawson headed home a Stewart cross.
Vale then made a few changes to consolidate their lead and were very comfortable until in the first minute of injury time when Peden of the University struck a great volley pass Gilpin.
The last few minutes of the injury time were spent around the Vale box and only a good save from Gilpin with the last kick of the match ensured a Vale victory.
The Vale Man of the Match was given to Cameron Dawson.

Vale of Leithen 2 Tynecastle FC 0
Football Nation Qualifying Cup 1/4 Final
This game was moved to Ainslie Park due to snow making Victoria Park unplayable.
A healthy crowd was in attendance as play commenced.
Vale started with the same team that had hammered Gala Fairydean Rovers on the previously Saturday.
Vale started the game on the front foot with a series of corners which were cleared by the Tynecastle defence. As the game progressed Tynecastle were beginning to find their feet and although the first half was fairly even with regard to possession, Vale were creating the chances without taking any of them.
HT 0-0
The second half commenced with Tynecastle pressing forward trying to take control.
However, the Vale defence was resolute and although Tynecastle were having some good possession, as in the first half all the decent chances were falling to the Vale.
Both teams were playing good football, but gradually the Vale were gaining control and were rewarded in the 70 min when after some neat passing around the Tynecastle box Andy Martin slotted the ball home for a deserved lead.
Two minutes later after some good work by Sean Stewart who drew the goalkeeper before slipping the ball to substitute and ex Tynecastle man Tommy Patterson who played it into an empty goal.
The remainder of the game was played out with Tynecastle chasing a goal and Vale breaking upfield on numerous occasions without adding to their total.
FT 2-0
Bobby Craigie presented the Man of the Match award on behalf the match sponsor, Thomas Ward Motorsport to Ainslie Hunter.

Semi Final

Against Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale at Saughton Enclosure, Edinburgh

Wed 7th Feb 2018 KO 7.30pm

For the first time in a few months Vale were able to field an almost full strength team.

With good crowd in attendance, which included a healthy support for Gala, the game kicked off on a heavy surface.

Vale started the game well and were the prominent team in the early stages but were stunned in the 13 min when Gala scored with their first shot on goal. A Miller drive from outside the box beat Gilpin high to his left.

Vale were now under a bit of pressure but gradually got back into the game and equalised in the 30 min when Sean Stewart scored.

With Vale starting to gain control of the game Stewart scored again in the 44 min to give them a 2-1 half time lead.

HT 2-1

Vale started the second half as they finished the first and were rewarded in the 48 min when after some great work on the right by Stewart his cross into the six yard box, resulted in a goal mouth scramble that was eventually slotted home by Liall Smith.

Vale were now dictating the play with Stewart and Dawson creating all sorts of problems for the Gala defence.

This eventually led to Stewart setting up Dawson for two goals in the 60 and 75 mins.
Vale were unlucky not to add to their total and eventually ran out 5-1 winners.

FT 5-1

A good all round performance with no failures, but a special mention to Stewart and Dawson who gave the Gala defence a torrid afternoon.

Our match sponsor, Robert Headspeath of Advance Designs presented the Man of Match award to Sean Stewart.