Vale of Leithen 2

Jeanfield Swifts 4

By Callum Hodgson

at Victoria Park

VALE crashed out of the South Scotland Challenge Cup on at the weekend.

The Innerleithen side reached the semi finals of the competition last season, losing to eventual winners Civil Service Strollers.

But Chris Anderson has other things on his mind — making sure his team is ready for Saturday’s Scottish Cup clash with Gretna.

The gaffer told us: “I haven’t got any complaints. They were the better team to be honest.

“We were missing about seven or eight players today, just to protect a couple of the boys for the Scottish Cup next week.

“It was just one of those games for us today.”

The Vale opened the scoring on the 18th minute courtesy of debutant Liam Ireland, who connected with a cross from the right wing.

But Jeanfield always looked dangerous on the break with Rhys Davies in particular causing problems.

And they did get their leveller on the half hour mark, when Aaron Whitehead headed in Christopher Scott’s corner.

Anderson’s side flew out of the traps in the second half.

A long ball over the top fell to Kerr Allan who slotted home — but it was chalked off after the assistant flagged for offside.

However on 63 minutes the visitors took the lead when Davies poked the ball past Ross Gilpin.

And things got worse soon after when substitute Conor McLaren blasted home after some good play by Robbie Holden.

Five minutes later the Vale were saved by the woodwork when Christopher Dodd broke down the left and fired a shot across the goal.

But the home side were thrown a lifeline when Scott Wilson converted a penalty — which was awarded following pushing and shoving by the Swifts’ back line when defending a corner.

However, moments later the visitors were awarded a spot kick of their own by ref Peter Stuart, when Ainslie Hunter brought down Christopher Anton.

Robbie Holden stepped up, Gilpin saved, but the striker was on hand to tuck in the rebound.

Vale of Leithen: R Gilpin, R Brady, C McBride, J Elliot, A Hunter, L Smith, S Wilson, G Rossi (S Stewart 64), K Allan, M Berry, L Ireland (B Rixon 64). Subs not used: K Beveridge