Sorry Vale fail to spark in action-packed final

Published 2 Apr 2010 11:33 0 Comments

See also:

Vale of Leithen 0 v 2 Gretna

VALE'S third Cup Final in as many seasons ended again in disappointment as the team failed to perform to their true capabilities.

Some sloppy defending and a failure to make the most of the few opportunities afforded to them by a Gretna side who always seemed in control of the game meant that the Image Printers Cup ended up winging its way back to Raydale Park courtesy of late goals by Daniel Jeffrey and John Jardine.

In truth, Vale were lucky to keep the scoreline blank by half time.

A loose crossfield pass by captain Mike Stewart was seized upon by Gretna striker Andy Hardman and his eventual shot flew inches wide of the post.

Some good work by Dan Carmichael down the left put Hardman through on goal again, but Vale keeper Mark Wilson came out to meet him and did just enough to put him off and his effort went wide.

Another mishap in defence saw Hardman stab the ball goalwards, but Gavin Tainsh was handily placed to hook the ball off the line to safety.

A clearance by Vale's John Hall fell to Ryan Errington, who was upended at the edge of the area by Paul Greenhill, but Daniel Rayson blasted the resulting free kick over.

Nothing much wsa working out for Vale, but towards half time they started to get more into things.

A long range efort by Aaron Somerville flew over and for once Andy Martin managed to get in behind the Gretna defence, but his cut back was behind the inrushing Scott Moffat.

Tainsh tried his luck with a shot from distance that Gretna keeper Alex Mitchell looked happy to watch sail over, but dipped at the last second, only just clearing the crossbar.

At half time Vale brought on the returning Alex Munro for John Hall, who had received an ankle knock towards the end of the first half.

Prompted by the strong running of Munro, Vale showed a bit more character, but without ever troubling Mitchell in the Gretna goal.

Unfortunately the game was held up for five minutes during the second half as a melee broke out on the touchline, but once the dust had settled the game restarted.

And within five minutes Gretna had taken the lead as substitute Jeffrey nipped in to drive the ball home from a tight angle.

In the 82nd minute John Jardine forced the ball into the net at the back post to ensure the destination of the cup and Vale were left to rue the fact that they just didn't perform well enough on the day.

Vale of Leithen: Mark Wilson; Gavin Tainsh, John Hall (Alex Munro h-t), Michael Stewart, Paul Thomson, Paul Greenhill (Ricky Burke 79), Andy Martin, Darren Gillon (Steven Dongo 73), Scott Moffat, Greig Shortreed, Aaron Somerville.

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 02 Apr 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Peeblesshire News Poll

Are you in favour of wind farms?

This Poll is now closed.

Yes (70.0%)

No (30.0%)

Follow @peeblesnews