Vale of Leithen 4

Gala Fairydean Rovers 2

David Knox at Victoria Park

BACK in April, it took an unexpected comeback by Cowdenbeath in the pyramid play-offs against Cove Rangers to prevent Vale losing their place in the Lowland League.

And that nail-biting climax to the season still haunts Victoria Park manager Chris Anderson.

Following Tuesday evening's derby win over Gala Fairydean Rovers, which came on the back of a draw at Civil Service on the opening day, he was quick to reflect.

Anderson told us: "You only have to look at how last season panned out to realise how important it is to get off to a good start.

"I never want to be in that position again where you need other teams to do you a favour.

"It's always good to win a derby but even more so at the start of the season to help build confidence and momentum."

Anderson enjoyed a dream start with his team racing into a two-goal lead inside the opening eight minutes.

A Scott Wilson freekick curled its way from the left over everyone in the crowded box and nestled in the far corner of the net.

And just a couple of minutes later Marc Berry prodded home from close range during a goalmouth scramble.

Gala showed glimpses of quality with the busy Sean McKirdy linking well with Rhys Craigie.

But the home defence looked solid for most of the match with Paul Dickson and Ally Smith hardly putting a foot wrong.

Only some excellent defending from Reece Donaldson at the other end prevented the ever-dangerous Sean Stewart breaking clear on the half hour.

Gala were thrown a lifeline just before half time with Daryl Johnson's speculative effort from 25 yards slipping through the fingers of Ross Gilpin and into the top corner of the net.

The goal lifted the visitors and for a 20 minute spell after half time they pushed players forward in search of an equaliser.

But Vale defended well and apart from a Tommy Patterson in-swinging freekick, which was headed off the line by Jack Blaikie, Gilpin's goal wasn't really troubled.

The introduction of Brad Rixon gave Vale an additional outlet and the former Civil Service attacker proved to be a thorn in the side of the visiting defence.

As well as shooting inches wide of the target on 64 minutes, Rixon was denied seven minutes later by a tremendous Jamie Shield save.

The third goal arrived, though, just a few minutes later as Stewart burst through the channel to cut back for Rixon, and although his initial shot was blocked in front of goal by Scott Main, Berry was on hand to drill home the rebound.

Stewart raced into the box again on 83 minutes to fire in off the post from the angle to secure the points.

Gala were rewarded for continuing to push forward with an injury time strike from Craigie.

Fairydean Rovers manager Dean Shanks couldn't hide his disappointment at the final whistle. He said: "I thought this was a winnable game but fair play to Vale, they wanted it more than us tonight.

"We are a new team and it is taking time for everyone to gel together."

Vale of Leithen. R Gilpin, B Raiker (J Finnie 85), A Smith, P Dickson, J Blaikie, S Stewart, R Currie (B Rixon 59), S Wilson, D Bonner (L Smith 16), A Imlah & M Berry.

Gala Fairydean Rovers. J Shield, D Johnson, S Main, B Herdman (K Watson 46), R Donaldson (K Mitchell 64), D Smith, S McKirdy, B Miller, R Craigie, J Morris & T Patterson