VALE of Leithen suffered a narrow home defeat to third placed Crossgates Primrose on Saturday.

But new boss Joe Murray is looking at the positives after securing the manager’s post on a full-time basis.

After a goalless first-half, Scott Lawrie opened the scoring for the visitors within a minute of the restart.

Lawrie added a second 16 minutes later, but Vale continued to fight and Dylan Weldon pulled one back late in the game.

Manager Joe Murray said; “It was 0-0 at half time but once again it was silly mistakes that cost us and to be fair the guys know that.

“Sometimes when there is nothing on you have to play percentage football.

“But there are improvements and we are going in the right direction. Our midfield have a lot of energy now but it’s all about keeping everyone focussed.”

The Innerleithen side face Dundonald Bluebell at Victoria park on Saturday and Murray, is expecting fellow Fifers Bluebell to pose a similar challenge.

Murray added: “They’re a team that’s very similar to Crossgates, a typical junior side, direct, physical, and very aggressive. But that’s the type of football I’m used to.

“I don’t think we’ll have to work on as much this week in terms of setting the team up because it will be very similar to Saturday.

“But we will be set up correctly and will work hard.”

Peeblesshire News: Action from vale of Leithen v Crossgates Primrose - Photo David Wilson Sports Photography Action from vale of Leithen v Crossgates Primrose - Photo David Wilson Sports Photography

Connor Dyet and Dan Garvey have left the club and joined Easthouses Lily and Whitehill Welfare respectively while Jack Wright who is the son of former Hibs legend Keith Wright has joined the club from Berwick Rangers.

And Murray is delighted with the acquisition: “Jack’s a brilliant wee player but he had a bad injury.

“He can play centre midfield or wide or behind the front two. He has so much ability and is a great lad who will fit in well in the dressing room. I’ve also been trying to bring more players in but it’s difficult to et the calibre of players we need.”