Hutchison Vale score late winner against Sauchie Juniors

SAUCHIE Juniors suffered punishment in the capital as Hutchison Vale secured the victory, ensuring a valuable three points.

There were three changes made from last weekend’s defeat against Musselburgh Athletic, youngster Finlay Miller was recalled to the starting eleven in place of the absent Paul Simpson.

Whereas, Sam Davidson returned in place of the now-injured Craig Comrie, and Danny Smith came in for Tom Harrison, who took a seat on the bench.

Smith would get an opportunity in front of the goal from a deadly free-kick position following a foul on Finlay Malcolm from Shaun Harrison, but he would strike this over the bar.

In a split second, the home side found themselves one-on-one with Sean Robertson, Jake Nicholson slotting the ball into the back of the net for an early lead.

Conor Kelly pressed forward, looking for a quick response, but an opportunity went begging at the near post and out for a goal kick.

The capital-based side nearly doubled their lead, Nicholson providing a cross for Owen Walton, who headed just wide of the near post.

Kyle Scott beat the offside trap to get an opportunity, but Robertson between the Sauchie sticks, saved the resulting shot with his outstretched foot.

The half drew to a close when Smith whipped in a corner, reaching the head of captain Scott Davidson, the centre half unable to header goalwards.

Malcolm opened the second 45 with some chances of his own, struggling to find a leveller as Ross Hutchison provided him with some balls over the top.

Sam Davidson also tried his luck, putting a ball inside the six-yard box from Kelly past the far post. 

It seemed as though this game, for all its chances, would end out of Sauchie’s grasp, and that was until Sam Collumbine equalised, a cute cut back from Smith would give Collumbine his opportunity in front of goal.

The hosts were back in front with ten minutes to go, substitute Scott Coleman striking a looping ball over the top of the goalkeeper from distance.

This proved to be the last real action of the game as Hutchie ran out victorious and would leapfrog their opponents in the process.

Sauchie Juniors: Robertson, Willaghan, Hutchison (Harrison 72’), Sc. Davidson, Binnie, Collumbine, Miller (Massie 58’), Kelly, Smith, Sa. Davidson, Malcolm.

Substitutes Not Used: Griffiths, Henderson, Burt.

One more game for Sauchie Juniors, wrapping up the 2024/25 season with a visit to East Lothian. They will take on Dunbar United at New Countess Park this Saturday, a fixture scheduled for a usual 2:30pm kick-off.