Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 2nd Round

It may not have had the nine goals shared by the sides just two weeks ago but this Emirates Scottish Cup tie was no less entertaining as both sides had to settle for a replay this coming Saturday at Millburn.

Both sides served up a cracking cup tie that saw Vale bounce back immediately after conceding a 2^nd half goal and although it was backs to the wall stuff in the closing stages no one could deny that Hugh Hamills men deserved a 2^nd chance on home soil.

Going into the match against a side two divisions above them Vale did not have their troubles to seek as Gourlay and Drain were both missing though injury but a major boost saw Allan Lees return to the middle of the park after he looked to have had no chance after his short run out after injury last week. Captain Alex Lacy too made a remarkable recovery to help solve Vales recent defensive shortcomings.

It was Vale who were first to threaten when Brian Smith saw his dipping volley narrowly miss the target after just 7 minutes. Three minutes later and the home side were denied an opening goal when Carr produced a point blank save from Rabs new signing Craig Feroz after the striker got on the end of a great cross from Anderson on the right. 

It was that man Anderson who came close after 20 minutes when he cut in from the left but his dipping shot was comfortably saved by Carr. At the other end another Brian Smith shot flew wide of Bells right hand post.

Vale were not being overawed by the occasion and Ryan Russell fired in a free kick that Bell spilled but fortunately for him his team mates scooped the ball away. Next up Andersons deep cross from the right looked like presenting a certain goal for Kevin Murray but Brian Smith got back to force him to knock his volley wide.

It as real end to end stuff and following a long clearance from Carr, Dougie Wilson saw his goal bound effort deflected past the post for a corner.

Brian McKay came close for the home side after 38 minutes when a corner kick fell nicely for him at the far post but Matty Carr did well to get down and push the ball around the post. The half came to a close with Vinny Berry firing in a low shot that Bell failed to hold and then the Vale man fired in a free kick that was inches too high.

Half time: Rob Roy  0  Vale of Leven  0

The second half started with Rabs on the attack and the home fans were appealing for a penalty after 55 minutes when Vinny Berry raced back to dispossess McKay with a sliding tackle but rightly the referee waved away the home sides appeals.

Vale made a couple of changes to freshen things up with Mark Pawsey coming on for Dougie Wilson and then Alan Filshie coming on for Brian Smith.  

Unfortunately a goal did come but it was at the wrong end after 70 minutes when Feroz saw his shot on the turn deflected wide for a corner. Anderson took the kick long to the far post where former Vale favourite Brian Wardle sent a header crashing off the underside of the crossbar and Stephen McGowan bundled the ball over the line.

Vales response was immediate and full marks to Mark Pawsey who made a great run down the right and his precise cross allowed ALAN FILSHIE a simple tap in to level the tie just two minutes after falling behind. A further two minutes and Vale almost took the lead, Berry sent over an inviting cross from the right and Pawsey saw Bell dive to save his glancing header that looked to be dropping over the keeper into the net.

In the closing stages Vale had to withstand some intense Rabs pressure and with 7 minutes remaining McGowan seemed certain to win the tie but somehow Allan Lees got back to rob the striker from point blank range. In the final minute a moment of slackness from captain Alex Lacy let in McKay but Carr produced a great save to earn Vale a replay this Saturday.

This was very much a team effort but young defender Craig Cavana was outstanding particularly as he was up against the vastly experienced Feroz.

The replay will be at Millburn this Saturday and supporters are reminded that the match kicks off at 1.30.