Civil Service Strollers 2

Vale of Leithen 4

THE tide has well and truly turned for Vale of Leithen.

Chris Anderson's team couldn't buy a point over the winter, but a recent revival has seen them win three and draw one of their last four games.

They faced an in-form Civil Service team on Saturday who have been aiming for a top six finish for much of the season.

And Vale's task was made even more difficult when Stephen Froud fired beyond Andy McQueen on the half hour.

But the visitors responded well, with new signing Ryan Currie forming a good partnership in midfield with Robbie Manson, and they pulled a goal back through Blair Atkinson on 39 minutes.

Almost straight from the restart Vale won possession and a through ball allowed Jason Stevens to fire the Innerleithen side into the lead.

Civil attempted to draw level before the break but Craig McBride and Danny O'Donnell made good clearances.

Vale edged further in front just five minutes into the second half with Stevens again firing past Stuart Burnside.

Froud found enough space at the other end to squeeze a shot beyond McQueen to narrow the deficit seven minutes later.

But Atkinson soon restored Vale's two-goal advantage within 90 seconds as he produced an excellent finish from the edge of the area.

Civil's task was further hampered on 75 minutes as Froud was given his marching orders.

And Vale comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to move up to ninth in the table.

Vale of Leithen: A McQueen, J Scott-Mercer, L McIntosh, C McBride, D O'Donnell, R Manson, R Currie, A Hunter, J Stevens, B Atkinson & S Stewart. Subs: K Mcleod, B Raiker, S Stevens, R lamb & R Brady.