Vale returned to the top of the group with this hard fought win over a spirited home side that more or less guarantees a quarter final place for the third year in a row. Hugh Hamill's men would need to lose to Greenock on Saturday while Yoker beat Port and overturn a 10 goal deficit.

Vale were nothing short of woefull in the opening 45 minutes and only an equaliser from Dougie Wilson right on the half time whistle spared their blushes at the break. 2nd half it was a different story as Vale stepped up a gear and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

With Bryan Boal out injured Vale recalled Jim Meechan in defence with Deeley operating on the left, Graeme McKenzie also returned with Ross Hunter dropping down to the bench.

On a bumpy pitch Vale started poorly and the home side edged ahead after only 6 minutes when Davie Reid sprung the offside trap to slot past the advancing Rogers. It could have been a lot worse for Vale as 5 minutes later the dangerous Murray cut in from the right to fire in a powerful shot that cannoned off Rogers' far post, behind the keeper and out to safety.

Right on the stroke of the interval whistle Vale won a corner, Wardle's initial header was blocked for another flag kick. This time Brown's cross was headed home by Dougie Wilson for a timely equaliser.

Vale started the second period with the words of Hugh Hamill and Jimmy Brown ringing in their ears and they certainly paid heed to their words of wisdom by taking the lead within 5 minutes. Kevin Goodwin played a free kick long and high into the Yoker area where Brian Wardle headed on and Dougie Wilson half hit his shot past the home keeper into the net.

Wilson then missed a chance to increase the lead by shooting over from 12 yards. After 62 minutes the striker reclaimed his dangerous tag by claiming his hat trick, Wardle played the ball up the right flank and Wilson fired in a cross cum shot that totally deceived the home keeper and ended up in the net. The keeper redeemed himself with a great diving save to deny Ward after the striker ended a end to end move with a well struck 25 yard shot.

With 7 minutes remaining hero Wilson was replaced by Scott McKernan and within a minute of his arrival he latched onto Wardles quick throw to score with his first touch with a well placed effort.

That ended the scoring to virtually secure a section win and a place in the quarter final against Neilston who won Group 9. Best for Vale on second half showings were Wardle, Meechan, Goodwin, King and man of the match Dougie Wilson.