Vale of Leven 3–3 Saltcoats Victoria
Vale of Leven win 4–2 on penalties
Saltcoats Victoria suffered penalty heartbreak at Millburn Park after an entertaining Strathclyde Demolition West of Scotland League Cup tie finished 3–3.
The Vics began brightly and made good use of the large playing surface, producing an encouraging opening 20 minutes. However, Vale took the lead from a corner that Saltcoats failed to clear.
The home side grew into the contest following the opener, but the Vics held firm to ensure the deficit remained at just one goal going into half-time.
After making a few tactical adjustments during the interval, Saltcoats produced an excellent second-half response.
Owen McGhee brought the Vics level before Hayden Barrett completed the turnaround with a composed finish following good work from Cammy McIntyre on the right-hand side.
Brian McCullough then added a third to put Saltcoats 3–1 ahead, while Barrett was presented with another opportunity that could have put the contest beyond Vale.
The hosts refused to give up and reduced the deficit before finding a dramatic equaliser with around a minute remaining. Saltcoats were unable to fully clear the ball from their penalty area, allowing a Vale player to fire a superb finish into the top corner and force a penalty shootout.
Vale converted all four of their penalties, while the Vics scored two, securing a 4–2 shootout victory for the home side.
Despite the disappointing conclusion, manager Stevie Wilson was encouraged by his team’s performance—particularly their second-half display.
Wilson believes there is real quality within the squad and feels the team are not far away from turning their encouraging performances into positive results. He also highlighted the need to cut out the avoidable goals being conceded and for the players to show greater belief.
There was also a debut for new signing Olamilekan Adebomi, while several players are beginning to return from injury.
The Vics now turn their attention to next weekend’s home fixture against Glasgow University at Campbell Park.
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