Published: Wednesday, 19th September, 2007 12:35
'Dean boss `gutted` after late goal
By David Knox
Print Article
A DRAW on the opening game of the league campaign wasn’t the scoreline either of these teams wanted – and wasn’t one that Vale deserved.
The Dean played some attractive football, opened up the visitors with apparent ease at times, and should have been two or three up long before Michael Mackale’s late equalizer.
But after 90 minutes Bryan Templeton and Derek Hancock had to console themselves with a single point.
Templeton told the Border Telegraph: “I am gutted and the players are gutted, but we only have ourselves to blame.
“We sat off them and let them back into the game at a time when we should have killed it off.
“I thought our boys played well and I’m really happy with a few performances but we can’t afford to drop points like the two we did today.”
Gala’s opener arrived on 21 minutes when Johnny Kayser drove a low free kick into a crowded area and Des Sutherland poked the ball into the net.
It was little more than the home team had deserved.
And regular attacks down the flanks, with both Jay Wilson and Andrew McDonald causing particular bother down the right, should have led to more pressure on the Vale goal.
Kayser almost grabbed a spectacular second on 38 minutes. The midfielder blasted a powerful shot against the cross bar from all of 30 yards out.
And just before the break Wilson was sent through by Sutherland, but the wide man could only shoot straight at Colin Wilson.
Vale struggled to create much despite the pacey trio of Aaron Somerville, Lewis Montgomery and Greig Shortreed spearheading Stuart Robertson’s ambitious formation.
And central defenders Paul Hossack and Lawrie Dunn were outstanding throughout the afternoon.
McDonald, Grant Gass and Kev Matheson all tested Wilson in the second half as Gala looked to wrap up all three points.
And the misses proved costly with nine minutes remaining. Somerville cut into the box from the angle to tee up substitute Michael Mackale, who neatly chipped Dave Catlin from 15 yards.
Sutherland’s header was cleared off the line by Ron Fleming a couple of minutes later.
And in injury time Montgomery shot wide for Vale during a goalmouth scramble.
These teams meet again in 10 days time with a place in the second round of the Scottish Cup up for grabs – and it would take a brave man to predict who will be celebrating.
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