Vale travelled through to Westfield Park, Denny on Saturday and were made to suffer at the hands of the home side who were far superior in every department. The home teams front two of ex East Stirling striker Paul Tweedie and Barry Rogers caused Vale no end of problems as they pulled the visitors all over the pitch.

Having dropped two points at home to Larkhall last week it was important that Vale took something from a side who only claimed promotion in the last match of the season. Never any easy place to take points Vale were up against it after just 60 seconds when they failed to deal with a cross into the box and when the second ball was returned by Tweedie, midfielder Ryan McCaffertys deft chip from inside the 6 yard area saw the ball drop over Carr for the opening goal.

Vales responded immediately when ALLAN LEES pounced on a loose ball to blast the ball into the net from 12 yards.

Vale were to regain control of the first half with Lees, Pawsey and Russell all passing up good chances to score as the sides went in level at the break.

Vales best chances were falling to Lees who came close on at least two occasions to adding to his early strike. The best Pace could muster was a fine run and shot from full back McIlduff that brought out a good save from Carr as the sides went in level at the break.  

Having lost a quick goal at the start of the first half Vale failed to learn from that lesson and when a long hopeful free kick was thrown into the box Carr mispunched under a challenge and from 20 yards home striker TWEEDIE, with his back to goal, sent an overhead into the net for a great goal.

Two minutes later and it should have been all square when Gourlays cross was met by the head of Pawsey whose diving downward header beat the keeper but bounced up from the turf and amazingly rebounded from the crossbar before being hooked clear.

Pace then added a third goal when good play by Rogers saw him hold the ball up fro his strike partner TWEEDIE who hit a dipping volley from 25 yards that gave Carr little chance of saving as the ball dropped behind him into the net.

In the closing minutes Vale pulled a goal back when McNaughts surging run set up FILSHIE for a simple tap in to add a bit of respectability to the score.

Two games played and with just a single point for their troubles Vale will clearly need to do better if they are to avoid any further relegation worries.