Revenge is sweet for Hutchie Vale

The previous week’s encounter had seen Leith dispose of Hutchie 2-1 after extra-time.

Hutchie coach Norrie Lewis was happy enough with the final outcome but is hoping for an improved team performance over the next few weeks.

He said: “It was a close game but I think we just edged it. I don’t think both teams played at their best to be honest.”

Leith really should have taken the lead when striker Ryan Day delivered a pinpoint cross from the right and found intended target Liall Smith at the back post, but he somehow failed to put the ball over the line from little more than a yard.

The visitors paid the price for failing to convert such a glaring opportunity when Hutchie took advantage at the other end.

Midfielder Jack Temple collected the ball just inside the penalty area, took one jink to his left and fired a crisp left-footed effort past goalkeeper Evan Glendinning at the near post.

Hutchie doubled their lead five minutes before the break, when a free-kick in a relatively unconcerning position was taken by Gregor Lamb and his effort somehow found it’s way in at the near post.

Leith responded almost immediately as Jackson Cowan’s corner from the right proved too hot to handle for Hutchie defender Sean Paterson, who had the misfortune of putting the ball into his own net with a flick off his right boot and past Ross Coats in goal.

Hutchie thought they had increased their advantage when Temple’s shot was net-bound until the very last moment when Leith’s Ewan Farmer intervened with a last-ditch clearance off the line. The hosts did, however, seal the tie with a third to move themselves three points clear at the top of the  table with less than ten minutes remaining.

A terrific mazy run from Steven Mackay ended with a powerful shot which Glendinning could only parry to the side and there was Temple to fire in for his second of the game.

Hutchie did have one final opportunity to add to their tally but Lamb fired wide from the penalty spot after Calum Hall’s cross had been handled by Cameron Burns.

Hutchison Vale: Ross Coats, Harris  Neillings, Leon Ronaldson, Steven Mackay, Jordon Meere, Calum Hall, Jack Temple, Grant Rose, Euan Valentine, Gregor Lamb, Sean Paterson, Ryan Foggo, Euan Henderson, Ben Swan, Mark Brooks, Connor Lamb, John Webley.

Leith Athletic: Evan Glendinning, Mitchell Hutchison, Reenan Ward, Shaun Farrow, Findlay Paxton, Cameron Burns, Liall Smith, Ryan Day, Jackson Cowan, Duncan Terry, Ewan Farmer, Brandon Monteith, Fraser Murdie, Robbie Beveridge, Grant Doyle,  Liam Dalgetty.