Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | Sport

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Tuesday, 9th October, 2007 10:00

NORTHERN DELIGHT FOR VALE

By Sports Reporter

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Cutler 0 Vale of Leven 0

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VALE: David Grant

ALE made the long trip north at the weekend to take on Northern Champions Culter at the picturesque venue of Crombie Park.

Despite the lack of goals this was a thrilling cup tie that provided plenty of entertainment for the fans of both sides, with Vale more than happy with the chance of a rematch this Saturday at Millburn, after some resolute defending in the closing stages.

Boss Hugh Hamill sprung a major surprise in his line up with Kevin Montague employed as the lone forward with Alan Gourlay starting his first game for Vale, coming in for Hugh Ward who dropped down to the bench.

The only other change to last week’s winning line up saw youngster Paul Ross return in place of Alex Drain.

Culter, who were hot favourites to progress to the next round, came into this game on a high having recorded a piece of Scottish football history with their senior Scottish FA cup win last week against Hawick Royal Albert.

But Vale were the better side in the first half with Jack Buchanan twice wasting great chances to open the scoring when he shot over from good position and, shortly after that, he turned his opponent inside the area but his weak shot was saved by the diving Pirie.

Kevin Montague had the best chance of the match early in the second half when, with all the time in the world, he elected to shoot first time and his swerving effort flew over the bar when he seemed sure to give his side the lead.

At the other end Vale received a scare when Graeme McKenzie was short with a header back to his keeper and, as Adam took the ball around Carr, the big keeper retrieved the situation as he dived to claw the ball back.

Culter had now raised their game and were beginning to gain the upper hand with dangerous winger Farmer being the main threat.

His team mates continually tried to find him wide left as he proved he could deliver quality crosses into the box and, from one of these, last week’s hat trick hero Chris Mountfield slid in but somehow the ball crept wide of goal.

On the hour mark Culter thought that they had scored — and probably would have, but skipper Toby King got back to head off the line.

At the other end Gordon Martin turned inside but his effort was well saved by Pirie.

It was real end to end stuff now as a timely Davie Grant interception stopped a certain goal, then Vale raced to the other end as substitute Dougie Wilson broke through on goal but with just the keeper to beat he was unable to get the ball past the outstretched legs of Pirie.

In the ensuing melee Buchanan saw his effort blocked and Gourlay saw his attempt stopped on the line by the outstretched arm of Pirie.

With 10 minutes remaining, Farmer crossed and an Adams header was cleared off the line by Grant and another inch perfect cross two minutes later from Farmer posed problems.

But Mountfield and Wilson collided and the ball, thankfully, came off the head of Mountfield, ending up over the bar and the danger was over.

As the minutes ticked down a long ball from Graeme McKenzie saw Alan Gourlay bring it under control to turn his marker but, with just the keeper to beat, he screwed the shot wide of target.

The home side threw everything at Vale in the closing moments but Vale’s rearguard stood firm to round off a magnificent team performance, with Robert McKenzie rock solid in defence.

The replay takes place this Saturday at Millburn with the game kicking off at 2-30pm and hopefully the Vale faithful can turn out in numbers to inspire their team to victory against a very good side.

Vale would like to thank the officials from Culter for their tremendous northern hospitality — all Vale players, committee and travelling supporters were treated well, and hopefully Vale can return the compliment this weekend.

The under-21s lost their first round West of Scotland tie by 2-1 to Cart Castle at Glasgow Green. This week the boys are also in Scottish Cup action when they face Rob Roy at the Argyll, kick off 2pm.

Vale of Leven — Matthew Carr, Graeme McKenzie, David Grant, Robert McKenzie, Paul Ross, Jack Buchanan, Alan Filshie, Toby King, Gordon Martin, Alan Gourlay, Kevin Montague (Dougie Wilson 66). Unused Subs — Alex Lacy, Hugh Ward, Steven O’Meara and Alex Drain.

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