Skip to the content
Menu

Whitletts Vics : News

DARVEL 2 - WHITLETTS VICTORIA 0
 
Darvel kept their promotion push on track as they overcame a spirited Whitletts side in an entertaining match at Recreation Park. And although they’ll be disappointed with the outcome, Neil Duffy’s new look side can take heart from their performance against one of the divisions top sides. The first period was an open affair with the visitors having most of the possession and territorial advantage while
 
Darvel were proving dangerous on the counter attack. Chances were being created at both ends of the park and in the 14th minutes Vics keeper Ally McInnes took a sore one from his own defender as Raymond Buchanan cleared a dangerous cross into the box from Mark Armour.
 
Vics were unlucky when Chris Black capitalised on a mishit Tony Balfour shot and although he forced the ball past Vale keeper David Markey, the ball bounced off Sam McFall and back into the keepers arms. Darvel broke immediately upfield and from Armour’s cross Jordan Ryan volley wide.
 
Whitletts were making headway down the left flank with new signing Ross Campbell immediately fitting into the side and in one move he released Sean Ewart down the wing and the youngsters cross had a few hearts in the mouths as it landed on top of the net.
 
In the 28th minute a sublime free kick from Dougie Robertson crashed back off the post. Jamie Henderson’s follow up was blocked and McInnes produced a superb save to deny Armour as the home side looked set to take the lead. Then it was Vics’ turn to be denied by the woodwork as Chris Black weaved his way past a couple of challenges only for Markey to touch his drive onto the post.
 
With two minutes of the half remaining Vics should have been awarded a penalty kick as Balfour was clearly pushed as he tried to round Markey inside the side yard box. The Whitletts striker tried to stay on his feet but was clearly off balance as his shot came back off the post and referee Craig Walker waved aside the visitors appeals as Darvel immediately broke upfield and Greg Vernon fired over the bar.
 
The second period was only two minutes old when Darvel made the vital breakthrough. Buchanan failed to cut out a long ball forward and as McInnes raced off his line Ryan slid in to set up Vernon who smashed the ball into the empty net from 15 yards. It was a blow for Vics and gave the home side the impetus to drive forward and moments later Armour flashed a shot just wide.
 
Vics response was a long kick out from McInnes that picked out Balfour but this time the striker fired into the side netting. Midway through the half, in a similar move the Vics hitman blazed the ball over the bar but Darvel were having the better of the play by this point and in the 67th minute they increased their advantage. Again the Vics defence were punished as Jordan Mullen failed to properly deal with an aerial ball at the edge of the box and Ryan capitalised to drill the ball past McInnes.
 
Vics fought to get back into the game but Darvel had a strong grip on the match and inside the last five minutes Mark Gilmour was denied by McInnes who made a superb save to turn the substitutes shot over the bar.
 
In the end a deserved victory for Darvel but a performance from which Neil Duffy’s new look side can take a lot of encouragement from as they head into the latter stages of the season.
 
Darvel
1. Markey 2. Walsh 3. Moodie 4. Gaw 5. McPherson 6. Henderson 7. Biggar (Vernon 33) 8. Robertson (Parris 63) 9. Ryan 10. Armour 11. Johnston (Gilmour 68) Subs (not used) 12. Lyle 15. White
 
Whitletts Victoria
1. McInnes 2. Lee Anderson 3. Campbell 4. Mullen 5. Buchanan 6. Davidson (Sloan 78) 7. Ewart (B.Anderson 78) 8. L. Kerr 9. Black 10. McFall (McCarrison 78) 11. Balfour Subs (not used) 15. Hercus 16. K.Kerr
Referee: Craig Walker
 
LOTTO 4 VICS Sponsored by Caledonian Windows
The winning numbers in this week’s Lotto4Vics draw, sponsored by Caledonian Windows, made by Darvel Chairman Neil McPherson at Half Time during our match at Recreation Park this afternoon.
 
Mr McPherson picked out numbers 13,22,23,28 No one matched all 4 numbers with 4 people matching 3 numbers and collect a cheque for £25, they are Johnny Alexander, Jim Smith, Andrew Logan, B.Strachan.
 
Many thanks to everyone for their support. Next weeks’ jackpot rises to £1700. Don’t miss any more chances to participate, you can purchase a ticket from any of the following local outlets http://www.whitlettsvictoria.com If you’d like to become an Agent or for a standing order/annual subscription form please call Andrew on 07834 903735.