Civil Service Strollers 0

Vale of Leithen 0

By Callum Hodgson

at Christie Gillies Park

VALE of Leithen secured a valuable point in their opening Lowland League fixture on Saturday.

Chris Anderson's side played out a goalless draw with Civil, who finished eight places higher than them last year.

But it wasn't all plain sailing.

New signing Taylor Black had to be rushed to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after landing awkwardly following a mid-air challenge.

Gaffer Anderson said: "It was a valuable away point against difficult opposition. It wasn’t anywhere near the perfect performance from ourselves and I know we can play much better in the offensive third.

"I felt that our back four were excellent however and to start off with a clean sheet will give everyone confidence.

"The only sour note was the injury to Taylor Black. It looks as though he’s picked up a real bad one. He’s been first class since he’s come to the Vale and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery.

"Everyone at the club will do their upmost to help him and with his character I’m positive he will come back stronger."

Blustery conditions made it difficult for both sides in the opening half hour.

The home side tried to play long balls over the top – but the Vale defence stood strong.

However, as the game progressed, the visitors began to get a foothold in midfield – thanks to Brad Raiker and David Bonnar.

And their best chance came right on the stroke of half time when Sean Stewart smacked the post with his effort.

Neither keeper had to make a save in the first half.

And the difficult conditions continued after the break.

Black was taken to hospital minutes after the restart when he landed awkwardly after a mid-air challenge.

Vale's 40-year-old veteran Keith McLeod also made a return in what turned out to be a comfortable afternoon for the Innerleithen side.

Anderson's team were put under a bit of pressure in the last ten minutes, but the Strollers couldn't take advantage and grab a late winner.

Vale of Leithen: R Gilpin, T Black, B Raiker, A Smith, P Dickson, J Blaikie, S Stewart, J Finnie, D Bonnar, M Berry, S Wilson. Substitutes: K Berveridge, R Currie, A Imlah, K McLeod, B Rixon, L Smith.