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