Vale of Leven Football & Athletic Club

A large crowd of over 800 witnessed another exciting cup tie at Millburn on Saturday. Unfortunately for Vale it was the men from the east that edged through to the quarter finals. On a surface that had never properly recovered from the mud bath of the previous round both sides deserve great credit for putting on a battling performance in stamina strapping conditions. It could all have been so much rosier for Vale had they grabbed the golden opportunity they had to edge in front right on the stroke of half time when Bryan Boal's hard work earned Vale a penalty. After a delay for the caution handed out to Rose defender Landels the normally reliable Davie Meechan stepped up to fire the spot kick low to the keeper's left. The shot lacked his usual power however and keeper Lamont guessed correctly and dived to parry the shot. The keeper then bravely dived to to grab the rebound as Meechan and Hunter slid in.		Bryan Boal - passed a late fitness test & earned a penalty for Vale
With Boal, Jim Meechan and Brian Smith passing late fitness tests Vale fielded the same side that defeated Kelty two weeks ago to earn the 5th round spot. Rose were unchanged from the side that defeated Dunbar 8-1 last weekend. Although the pitch was given the go ahead after an early morning inspection it was clear that it would cut up badly and had there been any more rain during the match then the referee had made it clear to both teams that he could call a halt to proceedings. Rose looked the more likely side during the first half with Maclaurin making a couple of super saves, but Vale weathered the storm and gradually began to create an impression. However, the match all changed on Meechan's penalty miss because on the resumption of the second period the visitors grabbed what turned out to be the winning goal. Maclaurin was put under pressure by David Flynn from a high looping cross and when the ball broke free Flynn was first to react as he swivelled to hook the ball into the net. Flynn, a cup winner with previous club Camelon, had netted the winning goal in the last round against Fauldhouse and proved to be a difficult opponent for Vale as well. Vale captain Alex Lacy had picked up a first half knock and despite trying to soldier on, eventually had to be replaced by Kevin Goodwin in the second half. Vale threw everything they had at Rose but all too often left themselves short at the back and only some fine saves from Maclaurin and goal line clearances from Smith and Jim Meechan kept Vale in the hunt. Unfortunately for the large large Vale support it was not to be and the Millburn men lost their long unbeaten home record. For Vale everyone gave their all with Smith, Hunter and man of the match Jim Meechan outstanding. ANGLO OVERSEAS TRANSPORT sponsored the match and Vale would like to thank them for their support. The sponsors man of the match went to Rose no. 8 Ian McLaughlin, the former Clydebank, Shettleston, Pollok and Glenafton player. The club would also like to thank Alan Wright of the Dillichip Hotel for providing the after match buffet.
Team: Maclaurin; Lacy (Goodwin), Wardle, J.Meechan, Deeley; Hunter, Brown, Smith, D.Meechan; Ritchie (Ward), Boal (McKernan). Unused subs: Dalrymple & Gow.


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