Vale claim Craigie scalp

Jan 11 2013 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

Vale of Earn played their second friendly of the winter break on Tuesday night and enjoyed a 3-2 win over first division opponents Craigie.

The match was played at a decent pace and Vale raced into a 2-0 half-time lead.

Garry Brock opened the scoring when his 25-yard shot found the back of the net, giving the Craigie keeper no chance.

Mark Reilly then increased the lead with a well struck effort from just inside the box.

Craigie got back into the game after the break when their forward rounded keeper Yurdakol to score.

Both teams utilised their squads and all players got a run-out at some stage of the game.

Vale scored again after a great run by Connor Stewart which ended with him one on one with the keeper and he finished superbly.

Craigie scored late on to finish the scoring.

On Saturday, Vale shook off their New Year hangovers by playing an entertaining friendly against Balmoral at Strathearn Community Campus.

Both teams attacked from the start and were enjoying playing some neat and tidy football on the artificial surface.

Vale took the lead after good link up play between Brian Finlay and Danny Harrison which allowed Peter Reilly space in the box to drill the ball low past the Balmoral keeper.

In a very open game, which saw players enjoy numerous chances, it was no surprise that Balmoral equalised just before half-time with a well taken goal.

The second half was much the same as the first with both managers making numerous changes to ensure all players got a good run-out.

Vale went back in front when Garry Brock scored a great opportunist goal. But late pressure from Balmoral paid off, and the visitors scored to level the game and end the match with a deserved draw.

Team vs. Craigie: D Yurdakol, D Sinclair, K O’Donnell. N Cassidy, L Smith, G Abernethy, G Brock, R Allan, D Harrison, B Finlay, M Reilly. Subs: M Welsh, B Klawikowski, M Cooper, C Stewart.

Team vs. Balmoral: D Yurdakol, C Roberts, R Brock, N Cassidy, D Sinclair, J Henry, G Brock, D Harrison, G Abernethy, P Reilly, B Finlay. Subs: B Klawikowski, M Welsh, M Reilly.