Braves hit Vale for 4

Caledonian Braves extended their winning run and picked up their first clean sheet of the season by beating Vale of Leithen 4-0.

It was a drizzly afternoon at Alliance Park as Braves looked to carry on from their victory in midweek against an out of form Vale of Leithen side. Caley Braves boss Ricky Waddell made 1 change to the side who beat Edinburgh Uni 3-1. With Jamie Walker returning from suspension.

The game started off lively and Braves almost took the lead straight away. Cole Starrs managed to get a shot away but it narrowly rolled past the post.

However, minutes later a fluid counter attack from Caledonian Braves saw them go ahead. Cameron Breadner cut the ball back to the path of Jamie Walker, who slotted it home to make it 1-0 to the home side.

Another attack for Caley Braves almost saw a second straight after as Cole Starrs had another great chance, however, the Leithen goalkeeper matched his efforts.

Another goal for the Braves almost came again minutes later as it was Zac Butterworth this time who bundled the ball into the back of the net before the offside flag went up, cutting short any celebrations.

Chances kept falling for the home side with some fantastic movement as Jamie Walker played Cole Starrs through on goal, before just slotting it wide.

Just before the interval, Braves playmaker Rhys Armstrong floated a corner into the box. Jack Duncan rose above everyone and headed it home to make it 2-0 to the home side.

The second half started off rather slow and both sides struggled to get any fluid passages of play going. That was until Cole Starrs was played through on goal as he beat the offside trap, he rounded the keeper well and slotted it home to make it 3-0 to Caledonian Braves.

Braves were not finished there. Jamie Walker rifled in another goal making it a brace for the young wing back. Sublime play from Braves in midfield found Rhys Armstrong meandering into the Vale box, he shuffled it to the left and found Jamie Walker who smashed it home as the home side went 4-0 up.

Soon after, the home side were at it again as Jamie Walker advanced with the ball before having a shot from 25 yards, unluckily for Jamie, his efforts were denied by the crossbar.

On the verge of the full time whistle, Cammy Breadner had an oppurtinity to make it 5, however, his shot just curled out.

Overall it was a routine display for Braves as they managed to pick up 3 points without really getting out of 2nd gear at times. Jamie Walker and Cameron Breadner were a real threat going forward and caused the Vale team all sorts of problems all afternoon. Ricky Waddell will be pleased with the majority of spells of play but might think his team could have been more clinical on the day. A clean sheet however and no new injuries will be the most pleasing thing from todays efforts.

Next up for Braves is a tough away trip to Spartans. August 28th, 3pm.

Caledonian Braves

1. Henry 

2. Brown

3. Walker 

4. Lachlan 

5. Duncan 

6. McDowall

7. Breadner

8. Armstrong 

9. Starrs (73’ Boualem)

10. Main

11. Butterworth (80’ Testa)

Substitutes

12. Duffy

14. Boualem 

16. Lindsay 

17. Winters 

18. Testa