Local heroes: Cald too hot for cup rivals

Kevin Wilson powered in a looping header after a tremendous cross from David Ridd 15 minutes into the tie.

The game began in nervous fashion as both teams struggled to find their rhythm.

East Calder were looking the most likely to break the deadlock and did so with their first real chance on goal.

Ridd's high free-kick was met by Wilson who directed his header over the onrushing Manuel Delso in the Merchiston net for the decisive goal.

They were almost two-up straight after when Michael Laing broke down the right and found himself with an angle on goal, but he was unfortunate to steer his shot straight at Delso after some nifty footwork on the wing.

North Merchiston almost grabbed an equaliser when Craig O'Rourke's drive from the edge of the box was tipped wide by East Calder's Bruce Rogers.

On the stroke of half-time, Calder's Thomas Smith suffered a nasty head wound and briefly received treatment before returning to the field of play,

After the break, East Calder immediately had another great opportunity to go further ahead when Craig Cruikshank played in a great cross for Shaun McMillan to power in a header which was tipped over by Delso.

Vale had a headed chance of their own soon after when O'Rourke's ball connected with Leigh Newby who glanced his attempt wide of the post.

United almost put the game beyond doubt when Lee Cruickshank rounded Delso, but his shot was cleared off the line to keep the score at 1-0.

North Merchiston had one final golden chance to equalise when substitute Scott Dowrie found himself through on goal and one-on-one with the keeper.

However, the forward's shot was tipped wide by Rogers to preserve United's lead and take the Anderson Cup back to East Calder.

North Merchiston manager Scott Newby praised his side, who were playing in their first cup final since coming into existence two years ago.

He said: "We were nervous for the first 45 minutes. It's only our second season as a club and our first final so it's understandable.

"The second half we were excellent, we just didn't get the break of the ball. I think if we had nicked one we would have gone on and won the game."

East Calder United's Robert McCulloch also praised his own side after bouncing back against the team who had defeated them only four days prior to the cup final.

He said: "We played them on Monday night in the league and lost, which was quite a tight match. We didn't really worry too much about tonight because we knew we had enough to win the game in the end.

"I thought we had the edge tonight and a bit more quality in the places that mattered."

North Merchiston Vale: Manuel Delso, Stephen Black, Martin Duffy, Stuart Gibbons, Alan Harlsborough, Christopher Johnson, Jamie Knox, Colin McDougall, Leigh Newby, Craig O'Rourke, Chris Adams. Subs: Jordan Banks, Christopher Donaldson, Mark Donaldson, Scott Dowrie, Mark Hogg.

East Calder United: Bruce Rogers, Craig Cruikshank, Christopher Thacker, David Ridd, Gary Elder, Lee Cruickshank, Kevin Wilson, Michael Laing, Paul Donion, Shaun McMillan, Thomas Smith. Subs: David Inness, Michael Duncan, Paul McArdle, Ross Harvie, Steven Kiakowski.