Peeblesshire News | Sport | Mayhem at the Vale

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Friday, 29th August, 2008 12:30

Mayhem at the Vale

By Dave Ryce at Victoria Park

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Vale of Leithen 0 v 4 Gala Fairydean

A combustible fixture at the best of times, the chief victim of the first meeting of the season between these two sides was undoubtably Fairydean's Des Sutherland.

The diminutive forward played a blinder, linking up superbly with strike partner Jamie Gibson and notching a hat-trick against his old club with three well-taken goals.

Unfortunately for Sutherland, his feat was rather overshadowed by a second half brawl involving almost every player and both benches that provided the main talking point afterwards.

The game was only five minutes old when Sutherland flighted a delightful ball into the top corner from 20 yards to give Gala the upper hand.

Following the goal, Vale had the bigger territorial advantage for most of the first half. Some strong running from Greig Shortreed set up Steven Notman for a run at goal, but keeper Gavin Watson came out well to block his shot.

Clear cut chances were at a premium, with several efforts from distance by Notman failing to find the target, while a Robbie Clark drive was easily collected by Watson.

Gala midfielder Paul Hosack passed up a good chance to score as he seized on a poor throw out by Vale keeper Mark Wilson, but rushed his shot and it flew over.

Early in the second half Sutherland stole possession from Vale's Clark and threaded a pass through to Grant Robinson, but Wilson came off his line to stop him in his tracks.

However, Gala did increase their lead in the 69th minute when a deflected Gibson cross found Sutherland at the back post, who headed home.

Sutherland almost struck again a few minutes later as he flashed another header inches wide from a Jay Wilson free kick.

In the 70th minute, Gala's Scott McKenzie caught Vale's Michael Osbourne with a reckless tackle. Osbourne retaliated and within seconds a mass of other players had waded in, followed closely by members of the technical area, although it has to be said that the majority were attempting to calm the situation down.

Several minutes passed before referee Michael Scott could restore order and booked Fairydean captain Shane Greene and sent manager Derek Hancock to the stand.

Osbourne escaped punishment, but Vale found themselves down to nine men as both Chris Graham and Raymond Fleming were red-carded for violent conduct, with boss Lindsay Rathie following them up the tunnel after some uncomplimentary remarks to the official.

After this, the result wasn't in doubt and in the 82nd minute Gala went three up as Gibson volleyed home a Wilson cross.

In the final minute Sutherland chipped home a fourth to complete a deserved hat trick.

Vale of Leithen: M. Wilson; G. Tainsh, Ross McManus, P. Lee, Ron Fleming, R. Clark, M. Osbourne, S. Notman, C. Graham, G. Shortreed, Ray Fleming.

Gala Fairydean: G. Watson; S. Noble (P. Mackay 72), S. McKenzie, C. Riddle, S. Greene, P. Hossack (J. Kayser 63), G. Gass (A. Hardie 84), G. Robinson, J. Gibson, D. Sutherland, J. Wilson.

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