Kelty Hearts 11

Vale of Leithen 0

VALE manager Chris Anderson can take some comfort from knowing his team won't have to face Kelty again this season in the Lowland League.

But he does face the unenviable task of trying to pick up his players ahead of this weekend's crucial relegation clash with Edinburgh University.

Anderson told us: "It is the Edinburgh University game and other matches against the teams that around us that will determine our season."

Vale's first Lowland League trip to New Central Park last season saw Anderson pull off a tactical masterstroke in holding Hearts to a goalless draw.

But any hopes of a repeat this time were blown away inside the opening minute as Nathan Austin fired home the opener.

Vale struggled to match the movement of the hosts and it wasn't long before Cammy Russell slotted a second past Ross Gilpin.

Russell made it 3-0 for Barry Ferguson's team in the 12th minute with another well-worked goal.

As the pressure continued Vale conceded a penalty in the 21st minute with Scott Linton making no mistakes from the spot.

Arnault Bembo's strike before the half hour made it 5-0.

And there was still time for a further two goals before the interval with Austin grabbing his second and Ross Philp also hitting the net.

Vale offered little in the way of attack with clearances coming straight back down the pitch.

Austin completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute.

And just two minutes later Dylan Easton was on hand to make it 9-0.

Austin fired home the tenth in the 75th minute with Stephen Husband completing the rout in injury time to break the Lowland League score record.

Ross Gilpin, Brad Rixon, Calum Hall, Ryan Higgins, Josh Wishart, Paul Thomson, Michael Robertson, Lewis Hall, Liall Smith, Robel Dent (Trialist 65) and Liam Ireland.