'Worst performance of season' - Vale boss

Published 13 Oct 2009 09:00

Port Glasgow 3 Vale of Leven 1

THIS match must go down as one of Vale's worst performances in a long time, especially as the Millburn men recorded a six-goal win over Port just eight weeks ago.

Having been on the end of a similar situation themselves just a few weeks ago when they gained revenge on Shotts, Vale should have known that Port would have been fired up to claim the points.

Vale were never in with a chance as they failed to create any clear-cut chances as they repeatedly tried to kick lumps out of the match ball and abandoned any attempts to play their normal passing game.

Vale boss Hugh Hamill recalled Brian Smith to the midfield, with David McNaught dropping down to the bench.

The Millburn men had the ball in the net after only three minutes when Dougie Wilson converted Parlane's cross but the referee failed to play advantage and gave Vale a free-kick on the goal line.

It was Port who looked the better side early on and they deservedly took the lead on the half-hour mark when Vale failed to clear a corner properly.

The ball was returned into the box and Scott Nugent hooked the ball into the net from close range.

Vale grabbed an equaliser just before the interval, Mark Bowie netting his first goal since rejoining the club.

In an effort to be a bit more creative Vale introduced Ryan Russell at the break in place of Parlane, with Pawsey moving further forward.

However, within seven minutes of the restart Vale shot themselves in the foot yet again when they gifted possession in the middle of the park and then stood off striker Nugent, who was allowed to advance unchallenged to fire a low, angled drive across Carr and into the net at the far post.

With five minutes remaining it was all over for Vale as Cavana appeared to win the ball cleanly but the referee pointed to the spot.

Stupidly, Ryan Russell spoke out of turn and his comments earned him a red card and yet another period on the side lines. When the kick was eventually taken Kevin Struthers smashed the it high into the net.

After what was a dreadful all-round performance, only keeper Carr and Craig Cavana could take anything out of their contribution.

Vale boss Hugh Hamill said: "The game had to go down as our worst performance of the season.

"That was the worst we have played and we deserved to lose the game."

"We play Rob Roy in the West of Scotland Cup and the Junior cup so the draws could have been better.

"They are a big club and it will be a difficult tie but I'm confident we can pull off a result.

"I know their manager John Richardson quite well and both the cup games will be interesting."

Vale: Carr; K.Wilson, Lacy, Cavana; Pawsey, Filshie, Smith (Buchanan 57), Parlane (Russell 45), Berry; Bowie, D.Wilson (McNaught 77). Unused Sub: Martin, Ward, Hutchison, Drain.

Port Glasgow: Scott Nugent (30, 52) Kevin Struthers, (pen 85).

Vale of Leven: Mark Bowie (42).

This Saturday Vale travel to Kirkintilloch to take on Super Premier side Rob Roy at Adamslie in the first round of the New Coins Automatic sponsored West of Scotland Cup.

There will be no bus to this match, players will be departing Millburn at 11.30am.

The second round draw took place for the Emirates Junior Cup at Petershill on Sunday and Vale must make a second trip back to Adamslie in a fortnight as the sides were paired together once again. The tie is scheduled for Saturday October 31.

Meanwhile, the Vale's under-21s crashed out of

the Scottish Cup after losing to Kilmarnock Balmoral 3-2.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 13 Oct 09

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