Vale suffered an embarrassing opening defeat at the hands of second division Yoker Athletic at Holm Park. Despite opening the scoring through an 8th minute volley from Hugh Ward, Vale were quickly pegged back when Kevin Kelly, looking well offside, was allowed free passage to score through the middle.

Worse was to follow for Vale when McCormick hooked home a long throw after half an hour and 4 minutes later Wilson, the smallest player on the park, was allowed space to head home a corner.

Two behind at the break Vale introduced last season's top scorer David Meechan and Boal for Dalrymple and Ward but it was the home side who increased their lead after 71 minutes when Kelly, again looking yards offside, was allowed to run in on the unprotected Maclaurin to make it 4-1.

A minute later Vale pulled a goal back when Brian Smith forced the ball home from Wardle's cut back. With two minutes remaining Yoker emphasised their superiority when substitute McGarry lobbed Maclaurin from 30 yards.

Team: Maclaurin; Fox, Lacy (Renton), Goodwin, Dalrymple (D.Meechan); Ward (Boal), Brown, Smith, Deeley; Wardle, Montague.