Vale defeat leads to Churchill's downfall

Dave Ryce • Published 20 Aug 2010 09:30 0 Comments

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Vale of Leithen 0 v 2 Selkirk

IF anyone was wondering about the level of expectation at Victoria Park this season they only had to witness the aftermath of the team’s first defeat on Wednesday.

Not only was manager Stewart Churchill shown the door but the riot act was read to every player following Selkirk’s surprise victory.

The Souters had crashed to an opening day hammering at Stirling - but they looked the better team in the opening exchanges with home keeper Darren Walker reacting well to prevent a Craig Pinnons’ deflected shot reaching the net. Pinnons was involved again on the quarter hour for Selkirk’s opener.

The towering winger’s low cross was blocked by John Hall but Des Sutherland was on hand to slot the ball into the net from 12 yards out.

The introduction of Vale’s Andy Martin just five minutes later swung the game back towards the home side.

The pacey wide man made several runs and crosses within a few minutes of arriving on the park. Scott Moffat almost grabbed an equaliser on the half hour with a powerful shot that was tipped over by John Dodds.

And the keeper also did well to push away a Keith Murray attempt just moments later.

But Selkirk still threatened and Sutherland almost doubled his tally on 36 minutes after taking advantage of a Paul Lee mistake to test Walker with a low shot.

On the stroke of half time Gavin Tainsh forced Dodds into a spectacular save with a curling freekick. Vale enjoyed plenty of possession in the second half with Martin and Moffat both testing Dodds with half chances.

But the best opportunities were still coming at the other end. Walker and Tainsh combined on 53 minutes to somehow keep a Pinnons header from crossing the line and Jay Wilson also shaved the post with a rocket shot from 25 yards.

Frustration began to creep into Vale’s play as more and more chances were squandered. And Selkirk seemed happy enough to soak up the pressure and play on the counter attack.

Veteran striker Jason Cockburn wrapped up the points for the visitors on 78 minutes after converting a low cross from Shaun Hardie.

Vale continued to press late on but they never looked likely to prevent their first league defeat at Victoria Park in well over a season.

Home boss Churchill said: “We had more than enough chances to win and made some silly mistakes at the back.”

Selkirk manager Paul Brownlee said: “We were put under pressure at times but I never really felt we would lose a goal. It was a big game for us and a massive three points.”

Vale of Leithen. D Walker, G Tainsh, P Lee, M Stewart, J Hall, P Greenhill (R Stewart 83), C Beaton, D Gillon (A Martin 21), K Murray (A Milligan 60), S Moffat & J Lauder.

Selkirk. J Dodds, S Mackenzie, Ross McManus, J Inglis, E Pritchard, J Wilson (P Hossack 83), Ryan McManus, G Gass (T Craggs 50), D Sutherland (S Hardie 62), J Cockburn & C Pinnons.

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 20 Aug 10

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