Selkirk 1-1 Vale of Leithen

By Callum Hodgson
at Yarrow Park

VALE of Leithen rescued a valuable point in the Borders derby as they look climb away from 15th place in the Lowland League table.

The home side took the lead just four minutes into the second half through Daryl Healy, but a spirited comeback saw Cameron Dawson find a leveller.

The Innerleithen side now need maximum points in their remaining two games against Cumbernauld and Dalbeattie to move away from the uncertainty of second bottom.

Gaffer Chris Anderson said: “I thought we played really well against a Selkirk team who are high up in the league and have some talented players.

"Both sides created great chances and the scoreline could have been anything. All we’re focussed on now is the Cumbernauld game.

"We beat them last week in the cup, so we’re hoping we can play like that again.”

The Souters dominated large parts of the first half with McKirdy and Baxter coming close.

But their best chance came on the stroke of half time when they were awarded a penalty after the referee adjudged Aaron Lewis to have pushed Jordan Hopkinson in the back.

Dale Baxter stepped up but smashed the crossbar with his effort.

However, Selkirk did take the lead just minutes into the second half.

Hopkinson played a ball across the face of goal, Lewis couldn’t clear and Healy tapped home.

Vale manager Anderson brought himself on soon after as his side pushed for an equaliser. Sean Stewart came close, but his shot was well saved.

Selkirk’s Healy also caused problems, but his efforts were matched by Ross Gilpin.

But the visitors did grab a much-needed goal on 66 minutes. Stewart knocked the ball across the six-yard box and Spartans loanee Dawson fired past Gregor Amos.

Moments later the Vale could have taken the lead.

Dawson whipped a brilliant cross towards the back post, but the on-rushing Liall Smith couldn’t convert.

But Selkirk also hadn’t given up. Baxter fired over the bar and Phil Addsion forced a wonderful save from Gilpin.

However the best chance to nick the game came in the dying moments. Addison made his way down the left, crossed in towards Hopkinson, but he blazed over from half a yard out.

The point ensures Selkirk finish in fifth place.

Manager Ian Fergus said: “Credit to Vale, they’re fighting for their lives and they worked really hard. But we created so many chances. I am a little disappointed because I thought we could have got three points tonight.”

Selkirk: G Amos, R Sclater, R Donaldson (R King 50), A Fleming, D Healy, C Chalmers, J Hopkinson, P Addison, D Banjo (J Davison 26), D Baxter, Sean McKirdy. Not used: M Christie.

Vale of Leithen: R Gilpin, A Lewis (C Anderson 55), T Patterson, S Lynch, A Smith, C McBride, A Hunter, L Smith, C Dawson, J Finnie, S Stewart.