KROS IS THE MAIN MAN IN VALE WIN
Brown hailed after match as Crieff side strike twice in first half to seal victory
Vale of Earn won 2-0 away in the league against Letham Community on Friday night in Perth.
It was an important tie in the context of the Division One title race for the Crieff side against a Fair City outfit who have caused them problems in the past.
Vale started quickly and pressed their opponents high under the lights at Seven Acres, with Paddy Ward and Kros Brown forcing the Letham defence into mistakes early on.
The opening goal came in the 12th minute when a throw by Vale’s Kai Brown was flicked on by Euan Carter.
After a bit of pingpong in the box it fell to
Lewis Young, who volleyed home through a ruck of players.
Vale doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Carter did well to retain possession in the middle of the park before dropping the ball off to Connor Stewart.
His pin-point pass found Ward, who chested the ball past the keeper before finishing well from the edge of the box.
The game slowed down a bit after that, with corners and set-pieces for both sides becoming the most likely threat.
With Vale 2-0 up at half-time, the second half didn’t offer much in the way of free-flowing football.
However, Vale remained solid at the back and kept their shape well, limiting Letham to few chances.
The closest Vale came was when an excellent pick-up from Lewis Young saw his 18-yard drive brilliantly saved by the Letham keeper, who was impressive in the home goal throughout.
After the match, Vale’s Garry
Brock described the victory as a “good win against a good side who try to get the ball down and play football.”
He added: “It was an excellent, hard-working, performance all over the park – especially in the first half.
“Our man of the match goes to Kros Brown, who put in an excellent shift with his hold-up play, winning fouls and constant running all night.”
Vale also secured a 3-1 win over Jeanfield in the League Cup on Tuesday night this week.
Jordan Crerar, Kros Brown and Peter Reilly were on the scoresheet for the Crieff side.
Vale are also in action in the same competition away at Breadalbane on Thursday this week.
Amat e u r re s u l t s f rom Saturday, April 2: Division Two – Auchterarder 0, Rattray 4. Smith League Cup group stages – Burrelton 3, Fair City 1; Ballinluig 2, Balmoral 1; Stanley 4, Wolfhill 1.