Vale defeat table toppers

Published 24 Nov 2009 09:00

Vale of Leven 2 St Anthony's 0

VALE produced a real fighting performance at rain-lashed Millburn on Saturday to claim all three points against league leaders St Anthony's.

The match hinged on a four-minute spell midway through an exciting second half as Vale netted twice, and sandwiched in between was a penalty miss by Ants substitute Dickson with his first touch of the game, as his side lost their first match over 90 minutes since August.

The home side made two changes from the side that lost to Rob Roy in the Scottish Cup two weeks previously - Alan Filshie replacing Brian Smith and David McNaught returning in place of Ryan Russell.

Ants included last week's hat-trick hero James Docherty, who just three weeks ago was in the Rob Roy squad that faced Vale.

Although Millburn was in great condition prior to kick off the match was to be played in torrential rain that would see the pitch turn into a quagmire later on and test the players fitness.

The first half was fairly uneventful with both Ants' Ritchie and McGrath cautioned for hauling down the lively Berry and Vale skipper Alex Lacy booked for a trip on Docherty.

The closest Vale came to scoring was a 25-yard left-foot strike from defender Kenny Wilson that tested Mathers in the visitors goal.

Ants started the second period with the wind and rain behind them and took the game to Vale and after 55 minutes.

Matty Carr made a great save to pushaway a shot from McCuish and then two minutes later Alex Lacy was perfectly placed on the goal-line to block an effort from Madden.

On the hour mark Mark Bowie outmuscled Mansare on the right and from his low cross Pawsey seemed certain to score but from point blank range he put the ball over the bar.

With Dougie Wilson on in place of Pawsey after 63 minutes Vale were to take the lead just six minutes later. Mark Bowie made ground on the left and after cutting inside he appeared to overplay the ball allowing an Ants defender the chance to block him but the ball spun back off Bowies boot and flew into the far corner of the net past a bemused Mathers.

Two minutes later the league leaders were gifted an opportunity to level the match when Cavana was forcing Docherty away from goal and as they went shoulder to shoulder the Ants man appeared to go over the outstretched leg of the Vale defender who claimed he won the ball. Visitors substitute

Dickson who had only been on the pitch a few minutes elected to take the kick instead of Docherty and he fired his shot low and wide of Carrs left-hand post.

Unbelievably Vale then grabbed a second and decisive killer goal after 73 minutes when supersub dangerous Dougie Wilson latched onto a long ball to slam the ball past the advancing Mathers who had no chance.

The conditions were not conducive to good football and the Ants threw everything at Vale in a late bid to preserve their unbeaten league status but they were unable to find a way past the resolute Vale defence.

It would be unfair to single anyone out after a real team performance but Alan Filshie and man of the match Kenny Wilson were just that bit special.

This week Vale are back on their travels when they set off down the M74 to face Lesmahagow at Craighead Park. The bus will depart Gilmour Street at

11.15am.

VALE OF LEVEN: Carr, K.Wilson, Lacy, Cavana, Buchanan (Gourlay 74), Filshie, Lees, Berry, Pawsey (D Wilson 63), Bowie, McNaught (Smith 85). SUBS NOT USED: Parlane, Ward, Russell.

VALE OF LEVEN SCORERS: (Mark Bowie 69, Dougie Wilson 73)

Vale are holding a fund raising night in the Vale of Leven Golf Club on Saturday evening at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £5 are available from any players or official.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 24 Nov 09

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