2010
This semi-final of the Fence N Deck cup was always gonna be a tough encounter against a team challenging for the league. The game started in typical cup tie fashion with no quarter being given, but after only 5 minutes, Vale couldn’t clear their lines and a sweetly struck strike by Leven’s No6 left Gardener rooted to the spot. Vales heads didn’t go down and Willie Kerr was causing problems with his pace down the wing. Vale pressurised Leven’s defence with a succession of corners and free kicks but to no avail.
Leven’s No.6 sent a perfectly timed pass to find his striker whose first touch was excellent and he finished well, 2 nil Leven. Once again Eastvale kept going and chance after chance went a begging but just before half time a cross was fumbled by the Leven keeper and Eck Douglas pounced to pull one back for Vale.
Half Time Leven 2 Eastvale 1
Eastvale came out the second half with more belief that this tie was not over, Vale brought Danny on for Kenny and his pace unsettled the Leven back line, Willie, who had put in a shift was replaced by Andy Kirk and Vale moved to 3 up front. Both sides had their chances but with 20 to go, the ball broke after Vale again broke down a Leven challenge but a low hit strike by Leven’s No.2 put Leven in the Driving seat and finsh 3-1 winners.
Full Time: Leven 3 Eastvale 1
A gutsy performance by Eastvale against a very good Leven team, who we wish all the best in the Final.
Eastvale: Gardener, Winn, Haley, Westwood, Tucker, Beau, Forrester, Douglas, Armit, Millar(Coull), Kerr(Kirk) Subs Not Used: McLeish, Laing.
