Dodds' late strike sends Vale through

Vale OF LEITHEN progressed to the quarter-finals of the SFA South Challenge Cup after a 1-0 victory over Preston Athletic thanks to a goal from midfield player Kerr Dodds with only two minutes of the game remaining.

Extra time appeared to be looming for these two evenly-matched teams when Preston's Greg McColl conceded possession to Vale substitute Steven Radzynski. He immediately threaded a pass to the feet of Dodds who fired a 12-yard shot past Ross Gilpin in the Preston goal.

"I wasn't sure whether to place the ball or not so I just put my laces through it and fortunately it ended up in the net," smiled Dodds afterwards.

Both sides had been inactive for nearly eight weeks and it was a credit to both of them that they served up some entertaining football on a heavy surface with Paul Greenhill for Vale and Mark Lothian for Preston particularly effective.

Kyle Collins and Stuart Miller had efforts only just wide for Preston while Scott Moffat tested Gilpin with a shot on the run before Dodds cut inside and shot straight at the goalkeeper. Paul Doohan also hit the post with a header.

The visitors looked the more likely to score although the Preston makeshift defence with striker Stuart Miller operating alongside Craig Scott held firm until Dodds settled the outcome with his late strike.