Vale of Leithen 4

EoS Division One

Dave Ryce reports from Civil Service Sportsground

IRONICALLY, Vale warmed up for Saturday’s big Scottish Cup date with a match against the side they beat to get there.

While it was a tight game a few weeks ago, this was a much more comprehensive victory, with Vale, aided by some generous refereeing decisions, strolling to victory over the Strollers.

Against the run of play, the home side took the lead in the 27th minute as Geri Burgess knocked home a Danny Wheelan cross.

Back came Vale with Aaron Somerville sending in a drive which was beaten away by Strollers goalkeeper Darren Walker, while Greig Shortreed found himself in a good position, but couldn’t keep his shot down.

Five minutes into the second half Vale got the break they deserved when they were awarded a penalty as Civil’s Liam Jack tripped Somerville as he burst into the penalty area. There was no doubt about the foul, but referee Declan Reid had also adjudged Jack to have been the last man and red-carded the unfortunate player.

Somerville himself stepped forward to despatch the spot kick into the corner of the net.

On the hour mark, Vale went ahead with another goal tinged with controversy.

Steven Notman appeared to be a couple of yards offside as Raymond Fleming chipped a ball forward, but play was waved on, allowing Notman to turn the ball into the net, with keeper Walker booked for his protests. Substitute Andy Martin then hammered home a Notman cross to put the result beyond doubt.

Six minutes from time Notman grabbed his second of the afternoon, converting a Somerville cut-back following good work by Shortreed on the left.

Vale of Leithen: L. Gordon, G. Tainsh, Ross McManus, P. Lee, C. Forsyth, Ray Fleming, Ryan McManus (A. Martin 62), S. Notman, C. Dewar (C. Graham 69; M. Osbourne 87), A. Somerville, G. Shortreed.