Vale present coach Smith with the perfect send-off

Published on Saturday 31 May 2008 10:34

IN A game of missed opportunities, a saved penalty and end-to-end action, the result was all that mattered for Hutchison Vale coach Chris Smith as his players marked his last match in charge by becoming the inaugural winners of the under-16 Evening News Trophy, writes ALEX SCHWEITZER-THOMPSON.

A 2-1 win over Leith Athletic at Saughton Enclosure ensured Vale added some silverware to accompany the Scottish Youth FA Challenge Cup in the Ford's Road club's trophy cabinet, goals from David Welsh and Stephen McGinn either side of half-time sandwiching Keith Mason's strike for Leith.

Vale opened the scoring on 22 minutes. James Elliot squared the ball from the right wing to Welsh on the edge of the box, and the striker stepped forward before hitting the ball low into goalkeeper Andy Haggon's right-hand corner.

Leith equalised ten minutes later, as winger Neil Watson's cross was missed by Vale's defence and Mason was on hand at the far post to snap up the opportunity and send the ball into the net.

Shortly after the break, Elliot was once more the instigator as Vale struck again. Michael White was to benefit this time, stretching to meet Elliot's cross at the far post and hitting home.

Vale were afforded the chance to notch a third and decisive goal on 48 minutes, but failed to convert a penalty after White was hauled down by Lloyd in the box, Aaron Scott seeing his spot-kick saved by Haggon.

Some desperate Vale defending – with Leith's Mason and Mathew Watson the frustrated parties – in the final stages of the match proved sufficient to secure victory.

Leith's beaten players appeared in pragmatic mood at full-time, perhaps because, despite defeat, they continue to fight for silverware on three fronts.

Tomorrow, Athletic face Fauldhouse in the City Financial Edinburgh South East Region Cup final at Hallhill, Dunbar, at 4.15pm, then on Wednesday, June 4, the Leith combine will battle it out for the Division 1 League Cup against Loanhead MW at New Dundas Park, Bonnyrigg (7.00pm). Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts will provide the opposition in the final of the Steve Maskrey Cup on Friday, June 13, at the Gyle Recreation Ground (7.00).

Hutchison Vale: Daniel Gunn, Greg Paterson, Lewis Brown, Fraser Greig, Dale Mackenzie, Aaron Scott, Stephen McGinn, Ryan D'Angelo, Gary Waddell, Aaron Williamson, Dale Cleeton, David Welsh, David Stewart, James Elliot, Alex Brown, Liam Hope.

Leith Athletic: Andy Haggon, Ross Nisbet, Adam Hunter, Blair Simpson, Patrick Lewis, Scott Harrison, Michael White, Mathew Lloyd, Bobe Boyd, Keith Mason, Neil Watson, Fraser Gray, Mathew Watson, Douglas Ashall.