Published: Friday, 30th May, 2008 12:00pm

Confusion reigns over Vale's date with destiny

It"s that time of year when footballers and fans alike begin to head for sunnier climes as the season draws to a close. However, for Vale Of Leithen there"s the small matter of the King"s Cup final to be decided before reaching for the suncream and flip-flop"s.

Vale made sure of their place in the final after a comfortable 2-1 victory over Lothian Thistle on Wednesday night. Goals from Greg Shortreed and Aaron Somerville sent Vale, who looked the better team on the night, through to the pretigious final.

The victory should have seen them facing Spartans on Saturday June 7 but end of season holiday commitments have thrown a spanner in the works.

Edinburgh-based Spartans are due to depart for a week-long holiday on Wednesday June 4 and they initially requested for the game to be rearranged for Mon June 2.

But Vale of Leithen refused this, as it would leave them severely weakened without their first-team goalkeeper Mark Wilson, centre-half Campbell Forsyth and striker Greg Shortreed, who are due to depart on holiday that very day.

The final was then penciled in to be played on Fri May 30 at Rosewell, Whitehill Welfare"s home ground but this date proved too soon to be arranged.

At last a decision has been reached and the final, much too Vale"s disadvantage, is to be played on Mon June 2 after all.

Added to this confusion is the pairing of ground and opposition, which eerily echoes Vale of Leithen"s last King"s Cup final appearance in the 2000/01 season. In that campaign, Vale once again played Lothian Thistle in the semi-final, dispatching them 3-1, before facing Spartan"s at Rosewell, where they were beaten 2-0.

Vale of Leithen Club Secretary, Alex Currie, isn"t letting this omen or the saga of its arrangement affect the club"s preparation and he believes that it will be Vale who prospers on the night.

He said, 'We"re feeling confident due to the way that the team is playing. We"ve a new, young team this season and they"ve done brilliant.

'Friday was the best alternative for all but it just couldn"t be arranged in time. There"s no way that we should have to play them on Monday night with a weakened team. I"m sure our lads will still bring the cup home for Vale though.

This saga could yet take another turn so those wishing to head for the game should ring the club or check the East of Scotland League website beforehand.