Vale in mood for cup shock again
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DEVERONVALE will need spirit and belief to cause a Highland League Cup shock for the second time this season.
That's the view of assistant boss Craig Stewart after watching his team clock up a third away win in a row at Nairn County on Saturday.
Stewart hailed the efforts of a Vale squad down to the bare bones with just one fit substitute for the third weekend running, in managing to maintain their victorious run.
And with striker Bob Scott in glorious scoring form right now, the Banff side could not be in better shape for Saturday's cup quarter-final trip to face big spending Formartine United.
Vale created the upset of the first round with a 2-1 triumph away at title contenders Fraserburgh, Scott netting both goals that day including a last-gasp winner.
"We went to Broch and won so there's no reason why we can't do the same at Formartine," said Stewart.
"We do believe going into any game that we can win it and even when we went through a bad run we believed we could go and get results.
"That is enhanced now that we've had a few wins in a row so we have got nothing to fear on Saturday and I suppose nothing to lose."
Scott equalled his goal tally for the whole of last season when he tucked away the only goal of Saturday's league clash at Nairn – his 13th of the current campaign. The 20-year-old has netted six goals in Vale's wins at Fraserburgh, Lossie and Nairn and is going through a purple patch.
"I'm delighted for Bob, he's on a hot run of form just now," Stewart added.
"His confidence is high and you can see it in training as well, so it's especially pleasing in the absence of Dane Ballard.
"It was a well worked goal, quite a good passing move which has resulted in a great cross by Jody Munro and again Bob is on the end of it with a great finish."
Scott's goal came just a minute after half time, while Vale's defence also played their part in the win by snuffing out everything the home side could throw at them.
While Vale continue to show good form on their travels, their home form hasn't been as strong and both Stewart and manager Stevie Dolan are keen to find a solution to their team's shaky form at Princess Royal Park.
For now they will settle for another fine display on the road when they make the journey to Pitmedden this weekend.
Stewart believes Vale can get an extra lift from the Vale fans who are making the away trips to cheer on their favourites.
"We might be short on numbers just now but we've got a 12th man – and I don't mean the referee. That wee group of supporters, they were brilliant again on Saturday and our players are responding to it. It's great to see."
Ross Aitken and Graeme Watt are two on Vale's injured list who have a chance of making Saturday's game, but are rated doubtful.
