Dalbeattie Star 2

Vale of Leithen 0

VALE'S recent slide down the Lowland League continued on Saturday.

And manager Chris Anderson was left scratching his head after watching his side fluff umpteen good chances.

High-flying Dalbeattie started strongly with Joe Slattery firing a foot over Andy McQueen's goal.

And it took a good tackle from Steven Lynch to prevent Lewis Sloan going in on goal.

McQueen also had to be alert to tip a Steve Degnan shot round the post.

But Vale were also creating chances and Liam McIntosh whipped a powerful shot inches over from the angle.

Star edged in front on 20 minutes through a Sloan freekick.

The former Queen of the South striker curled the ball beyond the keeper and into the top corner.

Vale should have been back on level terms just three minutes later but Keith Mcleod failed to hit the target from 12 yards out.

Dalbeattie thought they had doubled the advantage just before the half hour when Tommy Muir was judged offside.

Parker made a terrific save on 39 minutes to prevent Kevin Motion's powerful freekick finding the net.

And the home keeper also made a fantastic block just a minute later to keep out a Jay Stevens shot.

Vale continued to press before the break with Mcleod and Jonny Scott-Mercer both going within inches of equalising.

Anderson's team were also on top at the start of the second half with Robbie Manson drilling a low shot beyond the post.

Despite all of the pressure the Innerleithen side fell further behind after the hour.

Muir collected a pass on the edge of the area to rifle a stunning strike past McQueen.

Vale managed to carve out a few half chances in the closing stages but Star held out for the points.

Vale of Leithen: McQueen, Scott-Mercer (Atkinson 63), Lynch, Manson, O’Donnell, Hunter (Lamb 70), Stewart, Motion, Stevens, McLeod, McIntosh (Brady 56).