AT a sun-kissed Millburn Park on Saturday, Vale made it two wins out of two within a week at home with a late burst against Maryhill.

They never reached the heights of the previous week against Shotts, and only an improved second half showing, along with some hard work, ensured the points.

Without the injured Ryan Russell, Vale recalled Alan Gourlay to the starting XI, with new signing from Clydebank, Mark Bowie, having to settle for a place on the bench.

The visitors had most of the opening play and Vale almost fell behind after 15 minutes when Ferguson cracked a 20-yard shot against the crossbar.

Alan Filshie and Vincent Berry had chances to break the deadlock for Vale, but the game remained goalless at half time.

Bowie got off the bench in place of McNaught for his debut in the second half, and team-mate Kenny Wilson was only denied by a brilliant save from keeper Calder.

On 65 minutes Berry had to go off injured, giving Brian Smith the chance to play his 250th game for Vale.

The breakthrough finally came on 73 minutes when Alan Gourlay’s free kick from the left was headed home at the back post by Craig Cavana.

Unfortunately, though, the lead lasted only eight minutes when Vale failed to deal with a cross from the left, and Fraser hooked the ball home from six yards.

The home side weren’t to be denied victory, though, and within three minutes they grabbed the winning goal with a stunning right foot shot from Gourlay that flew into the roof of the net.

The visitors threw everything at Vale in the final minutes but were unable to get much change out of a resolute Vale defence, expertly marshalled by man of the match Alex Drain.