Real thriller in the amateurs

Those who descended on Market Park in Crieff last Saturday were treated to a thriller.

A top of the table encounter saw Vale of Earn host Jeanfield Swifts on an afternoon packed with goals and entertainment.

Vale had started strongly and netted a well- worked opener when Brian Finlay crossed for in-form Paddy Ward to head in.

But the lead did not last long and Stuart Banks soon had the Perth side level from the penalty spot.

Another penalty was awarded before the break - at the other end - allowing Aaron Dawson to restore the home lead.

With the score 2-1 at the interval, Vale netted again just 10 seconds into the second period. Ward showed composure to finish.

Jeanfield were stung into action and netted two goals in quick succession thanks to Ali Abboud and James Gilruth.

The visitors had their tails up and Banks struck twice, completing his hat-trick in the process, to carve out a 5-3 lead.

Vale weren’t giving up the fight and Josh Roberts pulled one back with a sweet strike from the edge of the box.

But Swifts managed to hold out for the 5-4 win.

Full results from Saturday: Division One - Kettins 4 Luncarty ASC 3, Letham CC 1 Burrelton Rovers 6, Vale of Earn 4 Jeanfield Swifts 5. Division Two - Auchterarder 4 Kinrossie Caledonian 0, Ballinluig 3 Rattray 3, Balmoral 1 Alyth 1.

Fixtures for Saturday: Division One - Bridgeton v Kettins, Luncarty ASC v Burrelton. Division Two - Ballinluig v Letham Colts, Fair City v Balmoral, Rattray v Auchterarder, Wolfhill v Alyth.

Junior Football results from Saturday: Midlands League - Dundee St James 4 Scone Thistle 1, Dundee Violet 1 Blairgowrie 3, Forfar West End 2 Coupar Angus 1, Letham 2 Downfield 3.

Fixtures for Saturday: Midlands League - Brechin Vics v Blairgowrie, Coupar Angus v Downfield, Forfar West End v Scone Thistle, Lochee United v Letham.