Glasgow Harp 2-1 Dumbarton Academy FP's
By Robert Porter
A strong first-half performance from Glasgow Harp saw them defeat Dumbarton Accies, in the William Turner Challenge Cup final.
Despite Accies finding the net early in the second-half they couldn’t find an equaliser, as Harp saw out the game to claim the glory.
Harp started the match in the ascendency as Gary Tussler and former Dumbarton FC forward Patrick Walker exchanged a neat one-two, but Walker’s volleyed shot went over Accies bar.
Accies responded and after 10 minutes with good interplay between Scott Cowan, Andrew MacDonald and Andrew Burton, Burton eventually shot wide of the target.
On the quarter hour Harp took the lead.
Accies conceded a free kick on the edge of their box. A short delivery was passed to Ross McArthur whose thunderous shot flashed over the Accies wall and into the top left hand corner of the net. It was a fine finish.
Harp went two goals up within a couple of minutes.
A corner was swung into Accies box, which reached Andrew McLay who reacted quickly to stab the ball into the net.
Accies attempted to hit back, and a good move just after the half half between Burton and David Brannagan saw Brannagan’s effort bravely blocked.
Glasgow Harp then saw efforts from Andrew McLay and Martin Laing go unrewarded.
In response, Accies’ Burton and Cowan both went similarly unrewarded as Harp kept their two goal advantage at half-time.
Almost immediately after the interval Accies dragged themselves back into the match.
A corner was swung into the Harp box and, after a scramble, Andrew MacDonald swivelled inside the six-yard box to force the ball into the Harp net.
Accies pressed on and saw a Cowan shot saved. Shortly afterwards Brannagan saw his effort go over the Harp bar.
The nearest Accies came to equalising came when a Scott Cowan header reached Alan Sweeney, however the midfielder saw his shot go inches wide with Harp keeper Stevie Johnstone beaten.
Accies continued pressing forward but saw the experienced Johnstone deal well with various dangerous crosses into the box.
Harp were now playing on the counter attack and could have secured the win late on, but Andrew McLay dragged a shot wide.
Various other opportunities came Harp’s way when they moved the ball quickly, but they couldn’t add to the scoreline before referee James Gallacher’s full-time whistle which saw Harp become champions.
Vale of Leven 2005s 5-1 Clydebank 2005s
By Jason Hewins
Vale welcomed Clydebank for the return derby to Argyll Park for a midweek match, with a move to a grass pitch leading to a scrappy but entertaining encounter.
Clydebank were unable to field a side on Saturday due to self-isolation and this forced the fixture change to a midweek match. All at the Vale wish their boys well as their paths won’t cross again this season.
From kick off, Vale forced Clydebank back into their own penalty box where Smith was unfortunate to be penalised for a handball as he went on the attack. Nevertheless it was a great start and a sign of Vale’s intent.
However, like the first match, Clydebank were to open the scoring following a run down the right wing and a good cross with the ball deflected home at the near post.
The setback looked to leave the Vale a bit stunned.
Clydebank were first to every bouncing ball and had a look of determination with vocal support from the sideline.
However from a Vale goal kick, Adam Daly used the small pitch to perfection and played in Smith who dinked the oncoming keeper with an inch-perfect finish to equalise.
Vale then became the dominant side and a dangerous high delivery from Mitchell found the head of Kerr who nodded home from close range to make it 2-1.
As the game wore on Vale then really stepped up the effort level and scored a quick fire double with Smith again on the scoresheet, and then Pilkington finding the net to end the half with a 4-1 advantage.
In the second-half, and with the midges enjoying the crowd as much as the crowd enjoyed the game, Clydebank fought to get a foothold back into the match.
A long period of Bankies pressure forced Daly to make as few good saves and the Vale’s defence were busier than they should have been.
However, a break up field by Thomson won a the Vale a corner, and his delivery was perfect for Burns to power a header home for a 5-1 lead.
Clydebank won a late penalty after Mitchell was unfortunate to be found guilty of a trip at the edge of the box. However ex-Clydebank keeper Daly made a great save to protect the lead and the match came to a close.
The impressive result put Vale in a great position to qualify for the semi-finals when they faced Linwood on Saturday.
Vale of Leven 2005s: Daly, Eggington, Morris, Mitchell, McEwan, Kerr, Burns, Mulvenna, McGroggan, Pilkington, Smith
Subs: (all used): Thomson, Hamill, Gemmell, McCallion, Swift.
Linwood Rangers 4-2 Vale of Leven 2005s
By Jason Hewins
Vale travelled to Linwood for an early morning kick off on a brand new 3G surface in Renfrewshire.
Vale were physically out of their bed, but mentally they were still asleep as the game started and they struggled to find their feet.
Linwood threatened the Vale goal on a number of occasions and the Vale side did well to keep them out.
Vale then created a great opportunity with a delivery from Gemmell nodded on by Kerr and excellently finished by Smith.
From nowhere Vale were in the lead.
As the half drew to a close, a defensive mix-up allowed Linwood their equaliser and at half-time it was all square at 1-1
In the second-half Vale started brightly and chances fell for Burns and Fisher but they couldn’t find the net.
Linwood were then gifted a corner and found the net, with a downward header bouncing over the Vale defender on the line to make it 2-1.
The hosts quickly created another chance and a powerful finish hit the net, despite being touched onto the post. 3-1
Vale then clawed their way back into the match following a mistake by the Linwood keeper and a calm finish by Pilkington to make it 3-2
As Vale attacked with everything they had to find the equaliser, Linwood broke and scored a fourth. Despite a great touch into the bar from keeper Daly, the rebound was followed up without a Vale jersey in sight.
That capped a disappointing morning where Vale had the chances to win the game and individual errors undid them at the back.
Upcoming matches against Thorn Athletic are now must win occasions for the boys to reach the semi finals.
