Honours even between Maryhill and Vale of Leven after hosts mount late comeback

An enthralling evening fixture between Maryhill and Vale of Leven U20s sides in the West of Scotland Development Football League Conference C concluded in a stalemate fashion. Maryhill managed a late comeback in the final third of the game from two goals down to upset a comfortable and solid Vale of Leven side.

The evening began with a minute of silence for Robbie Meiklem.

A cold and windy Friday night was greeted by two eager sides hungry for three points as the tempo was energetic in the first five minutes.

Six minutes in a ball played through the Maryhill backline for Mohamad, who darted after it in the final third, was thwarted by goalkeeper for Maryhill Craig Fyfe who was quick off his line to relieve the danger.

Shortly after Maryhill retaliated as Feeley rushed down the right-hand side of the box showing excellent pace and tested the keeper’s nearside which was solidly stopped by Daly.

After 10 minutes Maryhill conducted good passages of play and looked settled. A freekick won well in a good area of the left-hand side near the box swung into the back post area and headed downward into the near corner of the goal which was saved tremendously by Daly who had to get down early.

Maryhill continued to fire as Liam Feeley had his third attempt on goal with Daly denying again. However, in the 30th minute, Vale of Leven had a huge chance as danger man Fisher beat the offside trap after a clipped ball over the top and progressed into a one-on-one situation. His effort was shot at the keeper and the score remained 0-0.

Both teams were frustrated in trying to get ahead as the battle continued with fierce tackles and moments of great technical play. It was a great advert for Friday night football.

A repeat of the same scenario at the end of the first half as Fisher was played through the back lines making a smart run in behind the Maryhill defence to be faced with the keeper again putting it wide this time as the first half was drawn to a close.

The second half required a big reaction from both teams and that is exactly what happened straight away.

Maryhill left-back Sam Murray continued to impress providing great creativity and purpose when attacking with overlapping runs and good deliveries into the box.

With 55 minutes gone Vale of Leven earned a freekick on the edge of the penalty area on the left side. As the ball was floated across by Campbell, Fisher rose above Fyfe as he came out and headed home in a busy box giving Vale of Leven the lead in a dominant style.

Maryhill continued to pressure Vale of Leven in the opposition half but could not make anything of it. Feeley was threaded through the final third but saw his shot blocked by Nicol. Vale of Leven began to settle into their comfortable position.

Fisher certainly made up for his chances in the first half by adding another goal to his game. An incredible piece of skill and technique as he lofts the Maryhill goalkeeper from 20 yards giving Vale of Leven a two-goal lead at the 65-minute mark.

However, Maryhill reacted brilliantly as they never gave up on the match. Ryan Gibb in the 70^th minute gave his team a foot back in the game with a lovely outside-of-the-boot finish from an acute angle the ball was cut through the Vale of Leven’s back line and punished.

The atmosphere grew tense, encouraging foul after foul as both teams knew what was at stake in their league campaigns.

10 minutes to go and Vale of Leven midfielder Dominic Burns is sent off for a strong tackle in open play, this encouraged Maryhill’s mindset of going for more. The Vale of Leven were holding on and captain Scott Lees was a stalwart at the back along with his fellow teammates.

Maryhill broke through the lines again and a parried effort landed straight at Gibbs’s feet to execute an open goal giving him his second and his team back level with Vale of Leven.

Coming to the end of the match Maryhill’s goal scorer Gibb is sent off for dissent leaving both teams with 10 men and a couple minutes to go.

Both teams were clearing their boxes and staying as solid as they could, and the game ended two a piece in an exceptional league fixture.

Maryhill FC’s player of the match: Ryan Gibb

Ryan showed great belief and was willing to get his side back on level terms showing great consistency.

Vale of Leven’s player of the match: Ceiryn Fisher

Ceiyrn showed a fantastic mindset that even though things didn’t go his way in the first half bounced back with two great goals.

Maryhill FC Magic Moment :

Ryan Gibb’s first goal which he tucked away was a fantastic opportunity to get his team back into the game which sparked a great comeback.

Vale of Leven Magic Moment:

Ceiryn Fisher’s audacious chip from far out amazed the supporters and gave his team a good lead in the second half.