VALE’S LEAD SLIPS
Division One table toppers suffer defeat after tough away clash against Burrelton
Vale of Earn saw their lead at the top of the Division One table cut following a 3- 2 away defeat to Burrelton on Saturday.
Conditions were tricky as a strong wind made things difficult in spells at Recreation Park.
Vale found it difficult to create many opportunities in the first half, but they defended well against high balls.
Burrelton were awarded a penalty when determined striker Cammy Conaghan was taken down in the box by the Vale goalkeeper and the referee quickly pointed to the spot.
Matty Gallagher was tasked with responsibilities from 12 yards and successfully found the bottom corner to give Rovers the lead.
The hosts had their tails up at this point and a Gallagher corner on the stroke of half-time was met perfectly by the left boot of defender Ross Wilson.
His crisp, first- time effort whistled high into the net for a 2-0 lead as the teams took shelter for a quick break.
Burrelton still had the wind in their sails in the second half and on 46 minutes netted a third when, on the break, Gallagher tucked home a delightful Conaghan cross from the right wing.
Vale never gave up and piled on the pressure in the hope of getting a goal back.
And they duly did on the 65th minute when Paddy Ward finished really well after being played through.
Ross Nixon bundled the ball home at the back post with five minutes left after a mistake from the Burrelton keeper to make for nervy final moments for the home side.
Vale almost snatched a point but Paddy Ward saw his lob just go agonisingly wide of the post.
It was a tough game for the visitors against a good side played in difficult conditions.
Vale are at home to Bridgeton in the league on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 2pm at Market Park.