Lothian's unbeaten run sends them into the top half

Lothian Thistle extended their unbeaten run to six games when they defeated Vale of Leithen 3-2 to move into the top half of the Central Taxis Premier Division.

Vale, with the aid of a strong wind, started positively but it was Lothian who took the lead in the 14th minute when they were awarded a free kick some 25 yards out and Alan McDonagh struck the ball at pace around the defensive wall and into the net behind Chris Hill.

Vale had good efforts from Andy Martin and Paul Greenhill but Lothian extended their advantage in stoppage time at the end of the first half when a McDonagh corner was turned over the line by Mark Kelly.

Vale reduced the leeway four minutes into the second half when Steven Radzynski set up David Anderson who scored from eight yards. Midway through the second half a Craig Stewart inswinging corner was headed into the Vale net by Lloyd Dignan although almost immediately Lothian were reduced to ten men when Omar Ali was red carded after an incident off the ball.

Vale made an exciting end to the game when Anderson notched his second goal with three minutes remaining, but they could not find an equaliser.

"That was an excellent three points," said Lothian's joint manager, Fraser Ogilvie. "That is six games undefeated. We were being written off but now our confidence is returning."

Robbie Horn, the Vale manager, said: "That was very disappointing because we gave away bad goals although we also created a few chances which we did not take."

Lothian Thistle: Swain, McDiarmid, D McAleavy, Wilkes, Young, C McAleavy, Kelly, McDonagh, Ali, Ross-Kerr, Stewart. Subs: Wallace, Butler, Dignan.

Vale of Leithen: Hill, Milligan, Lauder, Miller, Lee, Greenhill, Martin, Dodds, Radzynski, Anderson, Doohan. Subs: Gillon, Beaton, Horn, Livie.

• Tonight, Whitehill Welfare have the opportunity to move into third position in the Premier Division and close the gap on leaders Spartans when they face Edinburgh City at Meadowbank, kick-off 7.30pm. The pair met last week in a King Cup tie which Whitehill won 4-1.

Also in action tonight are Spartans, who meet Ormiston in their second round King Cup match at Ainslie Park, kick-off, 7.30 pm.