Cup defeat ends sensational run by Vale

Published 30 Oct 2009 09:00 0 Comments

See also:

Vale of Leithen 1 v 3 Keith

VALE experienced the sensation of defeat for the first time this season as they exited the Scottish Cup but they can content themselves that Keith certainly knew they'd been in a game.

The Highland League side probably thought they were on easy street, rather than Victoria Park as they took the lead after just five minutes.

A brisk move upfield saw some nice one-touch interplay between Wayne McKay, Cammy Keith and Jamie Lennox, before the latter touched a pass into the path of McKay, who steadied himself and slammed the ball home from 12 yards.

It was a blow to have conceded so early in the game, but Vale picked themselves up and fairly rattled a Keith defence which looked prone to errors.

It was no surprise when Vale found an equaliser in the 26th minute, and even less of a surprise who scored it.

The goal came courtesy of a wonderful mazy run down the right by Andy Martin, who left Graham Lonie trailing in his wake before cutting the ball back for Somerville to find the net and carry on his phenomenal scoring record in the Scottish Cup.

There was little between the sides for the remainder of the first half.

A snap shot from Ger Rossi was tipped over by Shearer, who then spilled a Gavin Tainsh cross, but no Vale player was on hand to take advantage of the error.

At the other end, a long ball put Cammy Keith in, but John Hall was alert to clear the danger.

Despite the pre-match downpour subsiding as the action kicked off, the pitch remained very wet and as conditions got heavier in the second half this seemed to suit Keith's big, powerful players better.

In the 62nd minute, they put themselves ahead once more as McKay, who had been highlighted in the match programme as a danger from free kicks, proved as much by curling one in to the top corner from 25 yards.

The visitors almost got a third as Vale keeper Darren Walker flapped at a Daniel Park corner and Cammy Keith directed a header on target, which was cleared off the line by Somerville.

The third was only delayed though, as a breakaway move nine minutes from the end saw Lennox find Gary Harris at the back post, who slid the ball home to confirm Keith's place in the next round.

The match ended on a sour note for Vale as captain Hall was sent off in injury time. A Somerville free kick was blocked in the penalty area and a scramble ensued which turned into a bit of a rammy in the goalmouth.

Referee Don Robertson consulted with his assistant before showing a straight red to Hall for raising his hands to goalkeeper Shearer, who could consider himself fortunate to escape any punishment himself.

Vale of Leithen: D. Walker; G. Tainsh, P. Lee, M. Stewart, J. Hall, P. Greenhill, A. Martin, D. Gillon, G. Rossi (G. Shortreed 77), O. Sonko (S. Dongo 66), A. Somerville.

Keith: A. Shearer; J. Watt, G. Lonie (P. McCall 73), S. Walker, K. Niddrie, D. Nicol, D. Park, W. McKay, C. Keith (G. Harris 78), J. Lennox, D. Donaldson (R. Craig 86).

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 30 Oct 09

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