Goals dry up for Vale of Leven juniors

Nov 21 2008 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

VALE of Leven Juniors could only manage a no scoring draw with basement boys Lesmahagow on Saturday – ending their recent goalscoring run.

The Millburn men may have managed a clean sheet but they failed to set the match alight at the other end – seeing them throw away more points.

Gaffer Hugh Hamill brought in Mark Pawsey, Alan Brown and Graeme McKenzie, sacrificing Alan Gourlay, Craig Cavana and Ryan Russell in the process.

Vale did dominate the match for lengthy periods, but were unable to make their superiority talk at the goalmouth by passing up numerous opportunities, most notably from McNaught and Pawsey.

Vale started well and, after just a couple of minutes, Gow’s 17-year-old keeper Wilson was brought into play to dispossess Pawsey after a clever reverse pass from McNaught almost set him up.

Just seven minutes later, Vale appealed for a penalty when Brown’s free kick appeared to hit the arm of a home defender, but the referee dismissed the claims and McNaught somehow managed to put the ball over the bar from point- blank range.

Later, Meechan raced on to McKenzie’s quick throw and his cross only had to be diverted into the net but the ball agonisingly came off Filshie’s boot and ended up over the bar.

McNaught beat a couple of defenders on the half- hour, but his low shot was well saved by the keeper.

Gow came into the game towards the end of the first period and Carr disappointed the home fans when he tipped Cunningham’s shot over the bar.

Ten minutes after the interval, Vale lost the services of the injured Alex Drain and his replacement Cavana lasted just five minutes when he was injured in a collision with his own keeper and had to be replaced by Robert McKenzie.

That collision almost cost Vale dearly as the Gow striker pounced on the ball dropped by Carr but somehow managed to miss the target from just six yards.

With 10 minutes remaining Filshie saw yet another netbound header cleared off the line by McDougall as Vale searched for the winning goal.

Although they appeared to be well on top, Vale were tiring as they continued to push forward with an attacking front three. This allowed the home side to counter attack but Vale’s back three held firm with Lees, and Grant Vehicle Repairs Man of the Match Davie Grant, putting in outstanding shifts.

This week Vale are again away on league business when they travel to McKenna Park to take on St Anthony’s, kick-off 1.45pm.

Vale 21’s League Cup with clash with Hillwood was cancelled due to the weather. This week they take on Glasgow University away from home on league business.