Vale of Leithen 1 Gretna FC (2208) 2

Gretna travelled to Innerleithen to contest the quarter final of the Image Printers Cup. With the pitch and weather perfect Gretna started the game kicking down the slope.

Despite a really bright start from the visitors it was Vale who took an early lead in the 7th minute when a neat exchange on the edge of the box saw Vale winger Jason Stevens in the clear to powerfully slot across the on rushing Murray in the Gretna goal. 1-0. Stevens was a constant thorn in Gretna's side as he laid on a through ball to Shaun Stevens who's tame effort was straight at Murray, Gretna again found themselves lucky to be only 1 down on 32 mins after Stevens again found Stevens unmarked 6 yards out but his header was wide of the upright. Gretna were slowly playing their way back into the game with the pace of Anderson and Longcake causing all sorts of trouble. Gretna were handed a major boost on 35 mins when Flanagan seen himself receive a straight red for a petulant kick out at Thorburn, it was all Gretna at this point with Longcake's direct running now being the focal point, and it was his run and awareness to see Anderson in space, a superb clipped ball fell to Anderson's chest, the big striker took it down well inside the area to flick over the keeper and into the net. HT 1-1

As the 2nd half started it was much the same with the visitors now dominating possession, Rome made his 1st change replacing Thorburn with Cassidy. The break through came wary in the 2nd period when Inglis was upended in the box, Anderson placed the ball on the spot and casually passed the ball low to the keepers left 1-2. Gretna should of put the game to bed but were guilty of missing a host of chances, 1st of all Milligan should of done better after great work down the left flank from Main, Then Rea twice and Inglis should of done better after 3 great set piece deliveries from sub Cassidy. With Vale now playing on the break, it was Murray that was the hero, after being a spectator for much of the 2nd period he found Stevens 1 on 1 and managed a great double save to keep him at bay. Wood and Cowper were then introduced in place of Connor and Danny Graham respectively to see the game out with Vale putting pressure on in the dying minutes, but some resolute defending from both Rea and in particular Inglis Gretna held on for the win, and now await the winners of Wednesdays match between Lothian and Whitehill at the Saughton Enclosure in the semi.

Team From- Murray, D Graham, Thorburn(Cassidy), Inglis, Rea(Cowper), Addison, Longcake, Main, Anderson, Milligan, C Graham(Wood)

Subs not used- White

Crowd 101

BSC Glasgow 2 v Gretna FC 2008 2

Lochburn Park, Glasgow

Saturday 18^th April 2015

Lowland League

In a blisteringly warm Maryhill, two well matched sides played out an entertaining game despite the “end of season” tag. Although Gretna may count themselves to be unlucky to have suffered a late equaliser, in the end a draw was a fair result.

BSC started the stronger but poor finishing let them down and while they could have been 3 or 4 goals to good the first half was goalless until just before the interval when Iain Anderson latched on to a long ball from Brandon Longcake.

In a one-on-one with the advancing goalie, Iain rounded him and opened the scoring for Gretna FC 2008.

BSC started the second half as brightly as the first and quickly gained a free kick just outside the Gretna penalty area which was duly converted to square the game one all.

Gretna gained the ascendency as the half unfolded and Darren Addison unleashed a 40 yard strike which put them back in front. They kept the pressure on bringing three full stretch saves from the Glasgow goalkeeper in succession.

However as time ran down in the half and in the game, BSC gained the equaliser when Gretna thought they were home and hosed. The Gretna defence which had looked individually imposing but collectively vulnerable, couldn’t clear their lines in front of goal and BSC pounced to square the match two all.

Ian Richmond

Vote for your Player of the season

It’s that time of year when you the fans get to choose the player of the season, it has been a fairly good season considering we had a number of young players come into the side who have acquitted themselves very well and of course there are those experienced players who have continued to serve the club and perform to the highest level every week. We are still in 2 cup competitions and have great expectations of picking up some silverware but for now it’s your turn to decide who should pick up the player of the season trophy.


Click here to vote for your player of the year

Gretna FC (2008) 2 Dalbeattie Star 0

Gretna FC (2008).   2 (1)

D.Addison, S.Milligan

Dalbeattie Star.        0 (0)

The home side were first to threaten with Brandon Longcake trying his luck from distance, but his shot was well wide of the target.

Early pressure by Gretna earned them a corner in the eighth minute unfortunately Connor Graham's delivery was not up to standard and the danger was easily cleared.

In the tenth minute Star's keeper pulled off a great save denying Longcake from 25 yards, turning the ball round the post for a corner to the home side.

Star were second best for most of the opening period with Danny Graham keeping Lewis Sloan from getting too much possession.

A mistake by Gretna fullback Greg Thorburn let Sloan through on goal but his looping shot was easily taken by Murray on the goal line.

The home side were awarded a free kick just inside the Star half In the 30th.minute. Addison stepped forward and launched the ball towards the Dalbeattie goal where keeper Drysdale totally misjudged the flight and the ball ended up in the net, 1-0.

The Star keeper redeemed himself in the 35th.minute when he dived full length to deny Alan Inglis' 35 yard right footed strike by turning it round the post for a corner.

Minutes later Star's Wells wasted a good opportunity to get his side back on level terms when he connected with a corner on the edge of the area but the Dalbeattie strikers shot ended high up in the stand behind the goal.

Gretna forward Iain Anderson going through a barren spell at the moment again failed in front of goal as Longcake set up a golden opportunity only for the big forward to misdirect his header.

Let off for the home side as Jack Steele reached a Liam Park cross at the near post only for the ball to come crashing back off the upright with Murray a spectator. Just before the break Anderson fails to score as he fires wildly over from the edge of area. H/T 1-0.

Gretna started the second half looking for the vital second goal but after two corners Star pushed upfield trying to get Sloan in behind the home defence. Any chances Star created were easily dealt with by Murray in the Gretna goal.

Connor Graham and Scott Milligan were linking up well and produced one or two chances but nothing on target. The home side were awarded a free kick in the 60th.minute just inside the Star half, Dean Rea found Longcake on the right side of the area where he managed to curl a marvellous cross to the back post for Milligan to hammer the ball into the roof of the net from inside the six yard box, 2-0.

Rea almost made it three but Drysdale was quick to turn the ball over the bar. Play was end to end both sides failing to have any more goal scoring chances. In the 80th.minute Nick Cassidy replaced the injured Anderson, within a minute of coming on Cassidy almost scored had it not been for Drysdale saving at the foot of the post. In the final minutes Robson Halliday replaced Connor Graham. F/T 2-0.

Gretna FC (2008) : C.Murray, D.Graham, G.Thorburn, D.Rea, A.Inglis, D.Addison, B.Longcake, A.Main, I.Anderson, S.Milligan, C.Graham

Subs:

Dalbeattie Star : E.Drysdale, L.Todd,C.Neil, G.Anderson, H.Cameron, D.Dunglinson, L.Wells, J.Steele, G.Bell, L.Sloan, L.Park Subs : D.Muir, D.Kerr, J.Baxter.