Caledonian Braves vs Vale Of Leithen

The Braves pushed off back to back to defeats with their first home win of the 2020 over strugglers Vale of Leithen.

The Homeside enjoyed the early part of possession which paid off from an early goal by in form midfielder Neil McLaughlin. Great play from Ben Daily out on the right has is cross was deflected into the path of McLaughlin who made no mistakes in tapping home into the empty net.


The goal seemed to flatten the game for the Braves and the away side grabbed a shock equaliser. Two great quick saves from Alex Marshall in goal but he wasn’t able to deny the third from crossing the line. Braves continued to press to regain the lead with McLaughlin and Ross McNeil coming close several times.

It was on the stroke of Half Time that they would gain the advantage again. Once again, great work on the right from Daily, beat two and found McNeil on the edge of the box who sent a lovely curling effort into the top corner of the net.


Into the second half and the Braves gained an early penalty. David Winters was fouled as he looked to cut the ball back giving the ref no other option. McNeil stepped up and smashed the ball high into the roof of the net to double the Braves advantage.

Saturday saw the return of long term injury absentee Blair Docherty, instantly the young forward cracked a shot on target from distance. The game was put to bed after McNeil rounded off his hat trick with a excellent looping effort which gave the goalie no chance.

Raffi Krissian played the long ball which confused two of the Vale defenders, McNeil saw the goal off his line and grabbed his third of the afternoon.

Back to winning ways to start the new decade for the Braves. A trip down to Gala Fairydean Rovers is on the cards next week as we make our way down to Netherdale Saturday 11th January 2020.