Vale of Leven Juniors 1-2 Glasgow Perthshire
Brian Brown was left cursing Vale of Leven’s home hoodoo, as the Alexandria side fell to another defeat at Millburn.
David Kirkwood’s first-half penalty and Baboucarr Musa’s second-half strike meant David McNaught’s 82nd minute goal was nothing more than a consolation - as Vale continued their poor run of home form.
Manager Brown said: “We basically controlled the game from start to finish. We just couldn’t create many chances and when we did create them we couldn’t put them away.
“It’s so frustrating.
“I was disappointed with the performance. Especially after beating Larkhall.
“But we still had more than enough to take something from the game. Their manager walked across the park at the end and said he couldn’t believe that they’d won it.
“It was really disappointing.
“It’s becoming quite frustrating because the people who come and watch the games at Millburn aren’t seeing the team who play away from home.
“They must be wondering what’s going on.
“The team who play away are like a different side. It’s night and day.”
Vale’s preparations took a hit before the game, as goalkeeper Nathan Wylie pulled up injured in the warm up.
And a bad day was compounded by a second booking for Richie Stewart, that rules the winger out of this weekend’s home tie with high-flying St Rochs.
Brown added: “It wasn’t the greatest of build-ups. We didn’t lose out with Reece being in goals, but obviously it disrupted things a wee bit so close to kick off.
“Richie’s sending off felt really, really soft. He was absolutely halved in two about five minutes before, and the Perthshire player wasn’t even given a booking.
“He’s then given the referee a decision to make. But there was nothing in it. I thought it was a terrible decision.
“Things aren’t clicking at the moment though. We need to work on that during the week and be ready to go on Saturday.”
Dumbarton Academy FP's 3-1 Dalziel HSFP
By Robert Porter
Michael Dickie praised his side for their response to falling a goal behind, as Accies continued their impressive start to the campaign.
Dalziel took the lead on the half-hour mark only for Accies to turn things around before half-time, and secure another vital victory.
Boss Dickie said: “My team didn’t panic when we went behind. The players responded well by increasing the pace of the game.”
The opening exchanges saw clear opportunities at a premium as both sides wrestled for superiority.
A good Jack Buchanan pass saw an opportunity for Alan Nicolson, but his shot was bravely blocked by the Dalziel rearguard.
The match started to open up after 20 minutes.
Accies almost took the lead when an Andrew Burton pass released Alan Sweeney. Sweeney swept his left foot shot past the Dalziel keeper, but then agonisingly saw the ball go inches wide of the upright.
Accies were left to rue the missed opportunity as Dalziel took the lead on the half hour.
There seemed little danger as Accies’ reaguard sought to clear the ball from inside their box. However the clearance was rushed and landed perfectly for a Dalziel forward to control the ball and then sweep it home.
To their credit, Accies reacted positively to the setback and started to assert their authority on the game.
Ryan Banks released Nicolson, whose shot hit the side netting, before Ally Orr saw a long range shot go wide.
Accies equalised after 38 minutes.
Andrew Burton released Nicolson and the Accies midfielder composed himself and shot calmly beyond the advancing keeper.
It was two goals in two minutes for Accies, as Burton beat two players and then produced a great curling effort into the far side of the goal for an excellent finish.
Dalziel had a chance to equalise early in the second-half, but to Accies’ relief the effort went wide. Referee Tam Gilchrist had ruled the attacker offside anyway.
Substitute Scott Cowan saw a shot go over the Dalziel bar.
Accies gained some breathing space when a move between Sam Degg and Callum Shipcott saw the latter cross into the box and the waiting Andrew Burton headed home from six-yards.
Burton’s confidence was high.
This was evidenced when he produced the best piece of skill seen so far this season, flicking a ball over two defenders’ heads and then turning to volley a shot.
Unfortunately the shot was straight at the keeper, nonetheless the watching audience were loud in the applause of the skill shown.
A Callum Shipcott corner was then headed narrowly wide by David Brannagan.
Dalziel continued to press forward in an attempt to find a way back into the game. In the final minute they advanced on Accies goal having beaten Accies offside trap, however the effort went unrewarded.
Loch Lomond Hockey Club 0-4 Glasgow Accies HC
By Caroline Lyall
After qualifying for the clubs first West District Cup final last year, Loch Lomond Ladies Hockey Club were over the moon to finally be able to play against Glasgow Accies, a great focus for the club getting back into the hockey season after a break for obvious reasons.
Loch Lomond were in the final of the District Plate competition in 2012 and were unlucky to lose on penalties after drawing the match at full time. This time however, was the final of the District Cup competition, carried over from season 2019- 2020.
Loch Lomond arrived at Auchenhowie with brilliant spirit, enthusiasm and gratitude to be back on the hockey pitch and playing competitive hockey.
The scene was set with a brilliant turnout of supporters on the sidelines and a full squad ready to go.
Loch Lomond started the game well with everyone focused on keeping composure and with the advice given by Captain and coaches prior to pass back being put into practise.
As expected, Glasgow Accies came out fighting, but Loch Lomond met them toe-to-toe from the start.
The defence were strong and communicated effectively against attacking opposition who kept them on their toes.
After working on it at training, the defence showed confidence in transferring the ball round the back and changing direction of the game.
The midfield worked hard in all areas of the pitch and had brilliant spells of attacking the Accies goal whilst at the same time supporting their defenders effectively. The Loch Lomond attackers got into some good spaces and made some great chances, but unfortunately weren’t rewarded with any goals.
Glasgow Accies converted a penalty flick and two penalty corners and scored one goal from open play. 4-0 the final score.
Although Loch Lomond didn’t convert any of their chances, the teams were very evenly matched and it was a competitive and promising final.
After such a long period out Loch Lomond did themselves and the club proud on their return to competitive action.
Vale of Leven Cricket Club's Six-a-side tournament
By Graham Lawrence
At last we managed to get some cricket on Saturday as, over the last three weeks the Vale have had three games cancelled, one by the weather and twice where clubs have conceded games - with one unfortunately due to Covid cases.
It was therefore good that the side had their annual six-a-side tournament held under sunny skies at the Vale’s Millburn ground.
This is usually one of the club’s fundraising events, but these have all been curtailed over the past 18 months due to the restrictions.
The Vale had four teams in this year’s tournament, the Vale Young Guns, defending champions, the Vale Oldies, the Mixes and Milngavie Cricket Club. On offer for the day was a barbecue, refreshments and a raffle made up of donations from club members and a prize of a family cruise on Loch Lomond kindly donated by Cameron House.
This was won by Hugh Hutchinson.
The four teams all played each other once with the top two teams playing in the final and the third and fourth teams playing for the Wooden Spoon.
The rules for the competition are that there are six players on each team with each team bowling five overs to the opposition, one over per bowler. The playing area for the ground is almost the same size as the 11-a-side game.
After the round robin games, Milngavie were first having won all three games, Vale Young Guns were second having only lost to Milngavie by two runs, Vale Oldies were third with one win and the Mixes were last having lost all their games.
The Wooden Spoon game was between the Mixes and Vale Oldies and the Mixes ran up a good total of 34 runs off the five overs.
The Vale Oldies started well and seemed to be making short work of the total until the last over. With seven required they could only score two runs, ending up on three after their five overs. The Vale Oldies therefore ‘won’ the Wooden Spoon.
The final between Milngavie and Vale Young Guns was a high scoring exciting game.
Milngavie batting first attacked from the first ball with fours and sixes being struck to all parts of the ground.
Steven Bates, aged 12, and 13-year-old John Millier especially had their deliveries dispatched to all parts, something they will learn from for the future, but even older hands, Ivan Lawrence and Peter De Jonckheere, fared little better as they also suffered under the onslaught.
Milngavie finished on 86 from their five overs.
The Vale Young Guns in reply attacked with similar intent with Peter, Ivan and Gareth Millier pummelling the ball to all parts of the ground.
In the final over the Vale were on 68 needing 19 from the final over. Gareth hit the first and third balls for four, followed by a two. The fifth and sixth balls were unfortunately missed leaving the Vale Young Guns on 78 after their five overs.
Many thanks goes to everyone in the club, family and friends and to Milngavie who helped make this a very successful and fun day of cricket. The fundraiser will help to keep the club going into the winter months.
The Vale have one more league match this Saturday (September 18) against Anniesland at Milburn starting at noon where, if they win then they could move up from fifth to third in a league of 14.
For further information on club training email captain Gareth Millier at volcc.captain@gmail.com.
