New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup First Round

ANNBANK UNITED 0

VALE OF CLYDE 1

BANKIES went down narrowly in what was their first game in seven weeks following a weather-enforced lay-off.

While disappointed to lose manager Johnny Baillie was proud of their efforts and said: "We compete well, considering we had been out action for so long.. We have a break now for Christmas but will hopefully now get a run of games in the new year and the aim will be to push up the table."

With New Pebble Park unplayable owing to drainage problems, Annbank managed to switch the match to Dam Park Stadium to ensure it was played.

The first half was fairly even and Annbank enjoyed a lot of possession. They competed well although were unable to forge any real clearcut scoring chances.

After the break Vale of Clyde came more into the match as they put Bankies under some pressure.Vale were reduced to 10 men in 65 minutes when a visiting player appeared to catch Rory Tait with a flailing elbow.

The man advantage spurred Bankies on and they enjoyed their best spell of the match. Jordan Barr had a strong effort saved by the visiting goalie five minutes later. Then Andy Hainey swung a cross into the box, but Ryan Hill just failed to connect with the ball.

However just as it looked like we might be heading for penalties Bankies were hit with a cruel sucker punch as Scott McManus, who was Vale's best player, made a run from the centre circle and dodged two challenges before slotting the ball beyond Marc Fisher and into the net.

ANNBANK UNITED: Fisher; Boyle, Roy, Cairns, Fernie, Tait, Wilson, McDowall, Hill, Barr, Robertson. Subs: Hainey, Wallace, Lavan.