Ogilvie seeking ray of sunshine to end Vale gloom
THE sun has not been shining for Vale of Leithen recently, writes John Slorance.
Joint managers Fraser Ogilvie and Kerr Dodds, however, have high hopes that brighter days are ahead for the Victoria Park troops.
Talking ahead of Vale’s home meeting with Lothian Thistle/Hutchison Vale, Ogilvie told TheSouthern: “It’s just not been happening for the Vale and it’s a worry as we need to start getting points as we are second bottom of the league.
“Although we may not have been getting wins, we have had five draws in the league. In the games we lost, we have never had a battering. If this had been the case it would have been a big worry.
“We create chances but we just can’t put them away – this has been our main problem and we are in need of a goal scorer. I think we can turn things round, though, and start climbing up the league”.
At 28 years of age, Ogilvie is young for a manager in senior football. A former Hibs signing, he has an excellent football background though, knows the game, is ambitious and is keen to do well. A win on Saturday would be a just reward for the efforts he has been putting in along with co-boss Dodds.
Vale hope to have two new signings in their squad but have Stephen Sproule suspended.
In the first division scene, Gala Fairydean bid for their third win in succession in facing Duns at Netherdale but will not be fielding their former star striker Stuart Noble.
The ex-Fulham player was released by Berwick Rangers last week and the 29-year-old turned out for Gala Rovers in their league match against Leithen Rovers last Saturday. He has stated his intention to keep playing amateur football for the time being.
Kelso United take on near neighbours Coldstream, who are chasing title honours as well as promotion.
Talking of such matters, Kelso team boss Prof Blaikie said: “We got beaten 5-1 by Craigroyston last Saturday.
“Going by the score, you would think we had been turned over but it wasn’t quite like that as we played well. We created chances and hit the post and were in the game a lot more than the score suggests.”
Looking ahead, Blaikie added: “Coldstream seem to be going well but they lost their last match as well. However I am not really interested in what other sides are doing as they are not my problem.
“My only concern is how Kelso United are doing. We have got Coldstream at home, though, and I always tell my players that it is very important to get points at home, so this is what we will be attempting to achieve.”
John McCutcheon returns to the Kelso squad.
Peebles Rovers tackle Craigroyston at home. Due to their victory over Hawick Royal Albert, Rovers have moved up four places in the league and this is something that has delighted team boss, Jason Girdwood.
“It’s good to be away from the bottom of the league and it means a lot to the players,” he told us.
“Getting a win over Hawick has given us a boost and we go into the Craigroyston game with a new-found confidence.”
Selkirk are minus the suspended Jamie Higgenbottom for their away clash against Leith Athletic.
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Weather for Galashiels
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
