East Stirlingshire 2

Vale of Leithen 3

Bobby Craigie at Falkirk Stadium

HAT-TRICK hero Sean Stewart fired Vale of Leithen back into the top half of the Lowland League on Wednesday night.

The flying forward, who turned down offers from Edinburgh City and Berwick Rangers in the summer, produced a masterclass in finishing at the impressive Falkirk Stadium to make sure the points returned to Innerleithen.

But Vale's win was also down to a terrific team spirit and determined defending, especially in the closing 20 minutes.

Stewart got the ball rolling after only five minutes when he evaded the offside trap to smash an unstoppable shot beyond Jamie Barclay.

The small band of Vale supporters were given further reason to cheer just nine minutes later when Shire failed to clear their lines from a corner and Stewart took full advantage with another powerful shot.

Shire did begin to turn the tide as the half wore on with Craig McBride and James Elliot making some telling tackles.

But the home pressure eventually led to a goal on 42 minutes with Andy Rodgers heading home from a freekick.

Despite the set back Vale began the second half on the front foot and following some swift interplay Stewart raced into the area to net his hat-trick.

Counter attacking by both Brad Rixon and Stewart could easily have added to the visitors' tally but Barclay pulled off several outstanding saves.

And with just over 10 minutes remaining the home team were awarded a penalty for an Elliot foul inside the area.

Rodgers slotted the spot kick beyond Ross Gilpin to set up a nervous end to the game.

But the Vale back four stood firm to the long balls and crosses thrown at them.

Vale of Leithen. Ross Gilpin, Alasdair Smith, Craig McBride, Paul Dickson (R Brady 73), Marc Berry, Ainslie Hunter, Brad Rixon (R Currie 75), Kerr Allan (G Rossi 89), James Elliot, Scott Wilson & Sean Stewart