Cumbernauld Colts 1

Vale of Leithen 3

David Morrison

at Broadwood Stadium

THE dark winter months without a win are now a distant memory for Vale boss Chris Anderson.

Following on from his side's victory over lowly Preston Athletic the previous Saturday, Anderson's team stunned Cumbernauld Colts with the type of performance which saw them amongst the early challengers.

Making only one change - Jonny Scott-Mercer deputising for absent full back Andy Martin - Vale more than matched their hosts on the all-weather surface.

And even after going behind early, they played with the attacking intent which had been lacking in the lead up to new year.

Anderson told us: "We had a game plan and it worked a treat.

"It has made a massive difference to have a larger squad of players in recent weeks with new signings and also boys coming back from injury.

"There's no getting away from it that we struggled for a while but back to back wins has put us back on track."

Colts started brightly and early pressure saw them clip Andy McQueen's post before Jamie Broadfoot fired in the opener on four minutes.

Only a goalline clearance from Craig McBride prevented an Andy Hunter header doubling the lead.

But Vale were matching the home team across the wide pitch.

And Blair Atkinson forced a good save from Sam George before Jason Stevens finally levelled in the 25th minute.

Stevens, who had scored two the week before, raced onto a long ball over the top to round the keeper and fire home from the angle.

Just before half time Atkinson made it 2-1 to the Vale after taking advantage of a defensive mix up to blast into the net from close range.

Cumbernauld enjoyed some early pressure in the second half but McBride and Steven Lynch were more than a match for the home strikeforce.

And it was the visitors who continued to look the more likely to add to their tally.

Vale's third goal came with quarter-of-an-hour remaining.

Stevens collected a pass from Robbie Manson just inside the Colts half before racing through the channel to side-foot past the advancing keeper.

Cumbernauld did rally in the closing stages forcing several last-gasp tackles.

And in the dying minutes Jonathan Black's effort came back of the post.

Anderson added: "They put us under pressure at times but we defended well.

"We can go to Spartans this week with a bit of confidence and hopefully come away with another good result."

Vale of Leithen: Andy McQueen, Jonny Scott-Mercer, Ross Brady, Steven Lynch, Craig McBride, Robbie Manson, Sean Stewart, Alasdair Smith, Jason Stevens, Blair Atkinson & Tommy Patterson. Subs: Brad Raiker, Ainslie Hunter, Ross Lamb, Liam McIntosh, Shaun Stevens