Rossvale relief as win closes gap on league leaders

Rossvale had a win to celebrate after a difficult week

Corey Irvine’s 15th minute strike was enough to win the match for a ’Vale side who gritted their teeth and shrugged off the departure of manager Martin Lauchlan.

And as an added bonus they came off to discover they had gained ground on Central First Division leaders Renfrew who were beaten by Lesmahagow.

Injured player Jamie Hunter and kit man Frank Brady took over the dugout duties and saw Alex Cassels have an early drive tipped over by Neilston ’keeper Digney.

But four minutes later they made the breakthrough when a pass from wide left found Irvine who picked his spot from 30 yards out and buried the ball into the top corner.

Cassels had a weak shot saved by Digney and Jay McKay headed over from an Irvine cross as Rossvale continued to push forward.

The closest Neilston came in the first half was a shot ’Vale ’keeper Connolly parried out before safely holding a deflected shot from the rebound.

After the break a great McKay run ended with a shot Digney kept out with his feet as play continued mainly in the direction of the Neilston goal.

The clinching second goal wouldn’t come but as the final whistle blew a relieved Rossvale side could now enjoy the reward for all their hard work and concentration over a far from easy week for the whole club.