2009
Originally this was to be an away tie for Vale, but due to severe rain recently, Kinross’s home ground was deemed unplayable and was agreed to be switched to Windygates.
An evenly fought encounter was played at Windygates with Kinross producing the early chances. Eastvale held firm, a fantastic run from Wardy down the right wing with a lovely cross field pass for Jamie Armitt who skied it over the bar from no more than eight yards. Gardner was on hand to save Vale with a fantastic double save after two kinross players managed to beat the offside trap and bear down on the Eastvale goal , two great saves for Gardner denied them this time.
Half time Eastvale 0 Kinross 0
Second half continued in the same vane with nothing to choose from either side . A long ball from the kinross midfield to the advancing striker was met by a 50/50 shoulder challenge by Mike Laing for which the ref deemed unlawful and awarded Kinross a penalty which was nicely dispatched by the No.9 with Gardner choosing to dive the wrong way.
Kirk and Douglas came on for Wardy and McLeish, this seemed to give Vale extra motivation and with Kinross holding a high line it was only a matter of time before Kirk or Riddick broke the offside trap, it fell to Andy Kirk whose pace took him passed the defender to send over a lovely back heeled ball for Darren Riddick to level the match. Vale pummeled Kinross with the high ball over the defense and with virtually the last kick of the game another high & long ball from Gardner over the defenders head’s was met by Vales left back for the day,Tucker, who calmly slotted it past the Kinross keeper to wild scenes in the Vale camp.
After the restart the ref blew for full time. A very much needed result for Eastvale who can hopefully build on this victory showing character and desire to get a result today.
Eastvale: Gardner, Laing, Tucker, Winn, McLeish (Douglas), Beaumont, Riddick, Armitt, Ward (Kirk), Donnelly (Kerr), Allen, Subs not used Danny.
