Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | Sport

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Tuesday, 11th September, 2007 10:10

LATE STRIKE NETS WIN

Vale of Leven 2 Wishaw 1

VALE made heavy weather of claiming all three points from a spirited Wishaw side at sun-kissed Millburn on Saturday.

It took a late headed goal from Alan Filshie, following a Jack Buchanan corner, to see off the Lanarkshire side’s challenge.

The Millburn side made a couple of changes from the side that lost at Cambuslang the previous week – out went Iain Crawford, Gordon Martin and Alex Lacy to be replaced by Dougie Wilson, Kevin Montague and Davie Grant.

Having dominated the first half Vale had absolutely nothing to show for their efforts .

That all changed though as but within three minutes of the second half they edged in front following a great move on the left.

Hugh Ward got to the dead ball line, and from his cut back Filshie saw his tap in blocked but, fortunately for Vale, Montague followed up to smash the ball high into the net.

Time and again Vale passed up chances to finish the visitors off but Wishaw took heart from Vales slackness and started to cause the home side no end of problems.

Time and time again they advanced on the home goal.

After 65 minutes they got a deserved equaliser as slack play from Vale was punished when Bell fired home a 12 yard shot.

On came Craig Wotherspoon for the tiring Wilson as Vale fought to regain control with keeper Matthew Carr preventing Wishaw from scoring again.

With time ticking away, Vale grabbed the winner in the 86th minute when Filshie headed home a near-post corner by Buchanan.

Vale were best served by Carr, Paul Ross, Graeme McKenzie, Ward and the outstanding Grant.

Vale of Leven — Matthew Carr, Graeme McKenzie, Davie Grant, Robert McKenzie, Paul Ross, (Jack Buchanan 76), Alan Filshie, Toby King, Kevin Montague, Hugh Ward, Dougie Wilson (Craig Wotherspoon 73). Unused Subs — Alex Lacy, Hannaway, Alan Ferguson and Mark O’Donnell.

This week Vale are again at home when they face league leaders Greenock at Millburn — kick off 2pm.

There was a blow for Vale’s under-21 side when promising youngster Lee Geary suffered a broken leg in which led to the abandonment of the match.

The talented player had just grabbed his second goal of the game as he slid the ball past the keeper, unfortunately both players collided and Geary suffered a double leg break.

After a delay of some 40 minutes the sides agreed to bring the game to a close — Craig Cowan had scored Vale’s other goal.

Despite Vale leading 3-2 at the time the match will be replayed at a later date and all at Millburn and the Reporter wish Lee a speedy recovery.

On Saturday the under-21s are at home to Blochairn Star in the league.

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