Already without the suspended Wardle and David Meechan Vale were further hampered with Boal being unavailable. Iain Wyllie made his debut in goal in place of ever-present keeper Maclaurin.

Vale started well but having dominated the opening 10 minutes they fell behind to the customary soft goal. A long throw from the right was allowed to come all the way across the Vale area and with Wyllie slow to react Corns stooped to head home from close range.

Despite being behind Vale continued to press forward and Wilson and a couple of Brown efforts failed narrowly to restore equality. Keeper Wyllie made up for his earlier misjudgement when he saved a Corns drive to the near post and then saved at the feet of the same "Jags" striker.

The visitors got the vital second goal right on the half time whistle when another cross from the right was converted by the impressive Corns.

Two down Vale started the second half with Ward on for defender Dalrymple and pushing forward they came close but keeper Brunton saved from McKernan, Brown and Hunter.

With Vale pushing everyone forward it was no surprise that the visitors grabbed a third after 64 minutes when Brogan broke upfield to win a corner. From the flag kick substitute Fellows headed home. Another corner after 76 minutes saw substitute Brogan force home a fourth goal.

In the last minute Hugh Ward grabbed a consolation goal for Vale when he volleyed home a cross from Deeley.

On a disappointing night Vale were best served by Lacy and man of the match ALAN BROWN who put in a magnificent performance.