Spartans 2

Vale of Leithen 1

VALE'S survival hopes are continuing to hang by a thread following Friday night's narrow defeat at Ainslie Park.

It had been an encouraging defensive performance by Chris Anderson's team to frustrate Spartans for over an hour.

But two goals in the space of two minutes with around quarter-of-an-hour remaining sealed Vale's fate.

And an injury time strike for the visitors was no more than a consolation.

Nicholas Weir and Paul Thomson had done well at the heart of Vale's defence during a fast-paced first half.

And on the odd occasion Jack Smith and Nicky Reid had carved out half chances, Andy McQueen saved well.

Vale had a couple of decent counter attacks during the opening 45 minutes with Liall Smith being denied by Blair Carswell.

The second half was shaping to be much of the same with Vale defending well.

But in the 75th minute a deep corner was headed home at the back post by Adam Corbett.

And straight from the restart Reid managed to steal the ball on the right and race into the area to squeeze a shot beneath McQueen.

Credit must go to Vale as they pressed for a way back into the match.

But their reward was only a late Liam Ireland strike.

Vale face a must-win match this weekend when they host Dalbeattie Star at Victoria Park.

Vale of Leithen. A McQueen, R Higgins, M Robertson, N Weir, P Thomson, G Rossi, L Smith, L Hall, B Rixon, C Anderson & L Ireland. Subs. C ONeil, A Smith & A Imlah.