Gretna 1

Vale of Leithen 2

VALE progressed to the third round of the South Regional Cup following a hard-fought win at Raydale Park.

Chris Anderson's team had started brightly against managerless Gretna but went behind on 18 minutes.

An inswinging cross bobbled around the box before being deflected past Jamie Shiel.

Keith McLeod tested Dan Armstrong at the other end as high-flying Vale looked for a way back into the tie.

And the equaliser finally came just before the half hour as Blair Atkinson created enough space to pick his spot with a sweetly struck shot from the edge of the area.

The return after a six week injury of captain James Elliot certainly bolstered Vale's defence.

And despite Gretna's pressure towards the interval Shiel was rarely tested.

Vale emerged the better team in the second half with Brendan Edwards, Ainslie Hunter and Robbie Manson enjoying much more possession around midfield.

The possession and pressure eventually led to Vale's winner on 54 minutes.

Edwards drove towards the area to drill a powerful low shot into the far corner - his first for the Victoria Park club.

The arrival of Liam McIntosh provided a fresh threat up front as the Innerleithen side continued to search for a third.

Despite several late chances the final score remained 2-1.

Vale's general manager Mark Lamb was delighted with his team's progress. He said: "Chris (Anderson) and Keith (McLeod) are doing an excellent job since coming in.

"Our aim at the start of the season was to make sure we were safe in the Lowland League, yet we are up towards the top of the league and that's us through to the last 16 of the South Regional Cup."

Following Saturday's defeat Gretna appointed former player Matt Henney as their new manager.

Vale of Leithen. J Shiel, B Raiker, K Boyes, J Elliot, D O'Donnel, B Edwards (K Motion), A Hunter, R Manson, S Stewart (R Brady), K McLeod and B Atkinson (L McIntosh).