Vale secured a vital three points in their quest to avoid relegation at Brig O’lea Stadium on Saturday. It took a highly controversial penalty kick struck home in style by top scorer Mark Bowie just two minutes from the interval to separate the sides as Vale moved up to fifth in the table.

With Craig Cowan ruled out due to injury Vale introduced Alan McPherson from the under 21’s as well as recalls for Smith, Wardle, Filshie and Bonner.

The home side had the first effort on goal after 10 minutes when a move from left to right ended with Cannings low shot being comfortable saved by Smith.

At the other end Bowies hooked cross saw Wilsons goal bound header stopped on the line and from the rebound McKenzie shot wide of the keepers right hand post.

Vale survived a scare on the half hour mark when Smith spilled a shot at the expense of a corner and from the flag kick Martin deflected a shot up and onto the crossbar and from the rebound McDades diving header was stopped by Wilson.

Vale passed up a great chance after 33 minutes when Bowie released Filshie on the right and from his cut back Bowie saw his close range effort blocked.

If things have not gone exactly in Vales favour this season then at last they got a fortunate break after 43 minutes when Filshie was upended in the box and the referee pointed immediately to the spot. After a lengthy delay due to the home sides protests MARK BOWIE kept his cool to fire the spot kick into the net to give Vale a lead at the interval.

Early in the second half only a timely interception by Wardle prevented a certain equalizer and then from the follow up Smith dived full length to push a way Cannings shot.

David McNaught won possession for Vale and after surging forward shot tamely into the arms of Digney After 68 minutes Smith made a hash of a low credit but full credit to the keeper as he got down to make a great save at the feet of Anson.

With 15 minutes remaining young McPherson made a great block to deny Anson right in front of goal as Neilson pressed for an equalizer. In the final minute Neilson were reduced to 10 men when striker Ansons frustration got the better of him as he kicked out at McPherson as Vale held onto possession.

In the end it perhaps wasn’t Vales prettiest performance of the season but it was efficient and effective as they achieved their aim of all three points and another clean sheet.