Full marks to Vale for running out convincing winners against a Shire side who promised much early on but in the end were punished for their indiscipline. After 3 straight home league wins at Millburn in which they have failed to lose a goal Vale are moving into a threatening position in the league.
With new signing Robert Tiropoulos having to make do with a seat on the bench Vale started with an unchanged side after beating Dunipace last time out.
It was the visitors who were first to threaten when they won a free kick on the edge of the area and Fergusons shot seemed destined for the top corner of the net until Matty Carr produced a fine fingertip save to turn the ball over the bar.
Vale started to play to neat football and Bowie should have done better than shooting straight at Shire keeper Thomson after 15 minutes. Next up McNaught's pass picked out the lively Gourlay on the right and his low shot to the near post almost caught out Thomson who responded well to get down to turn the ball around the post. From the resultant corner Vale were awarded a spot kick after 27 minutes when Brian Smith was impeded. Up stepped JACK BUCHANAN to calmly slot Vale into the lead with his second penalty in successive matches.
Shire centre half Brown was cautioned after 31 minutes for continuing to complain to the referee and barely 60 seconds later he left the official with little option as he almost halved Vinny Berry in two to pick up his second caution and first use of the hot water. Shires Ferguson was then cautioned for making his feelings known to the referee.
At the interval Vale were deservedly in front and manager Hugh Hamill decided to throw on the more attack minded Mark Pawsey for Smith hoping to take advantage of their numerical superiority.
Vale restarted the second half on the ascendancy and should have increased their lead when Bowie found himself one on one with the keeper but he dwelled too long and the keeper saved at his feet. Next up and Gourlay got on the end on a good move only to fire his shot into the side netting when he seemed destined to score.
Vales task was made easier when Shire went into self destruct mode after 59 minutes. The home side were awarded a free kick on the left hand side of the area and Eadie let rip with a verbal volley at the referee and was promptly despatched inside. From the free kick Gourlay touched the ball to top scorer MARK PAWSEY who blasted the ball into the net to put his side two ahead. Before the game could restart the previously booked Ferguson continued to show dissent to the match official and Shire were now down to just eight men.
Three minutes later and it was game over when a good move on the left ended with the ball played across field for ALAN GOURLAY to smash the ball home from the edge of the area.
In the final 15 minutes Vale netted a further 5 goals to do their goal difference no harm. In the 75th minute JACK BUCHANAN went on an uninterrupted run on the right before firing a low left foot shot into the net for his 2nd goal of the afternoon. A minute later and DAVID McNAUGHT raced clear to blast an unstoppable shot high into the net. After 82 minutes Gourlay's pass picked out McNAUGHT who rounded the keeper with some style for his 2nd goal to make it 6-0. A minute later and PAWSEY made it seven from Russell’s pass and then in the final minute ALAN FILSHIE thrashed the ball into the net following a good cut back from Russell.
At the end of the day Vale recorded their biggest win for a few seasons with good performances from everyone on the field with Gourlay just edging out Filshie for man of the match.
Unfortunately for Vale they lost the services of outstanding defender Craig Cavana and he will be extremely doubtful for his sides next match which is away to THORNIEWOOD UNITED on Saturday (Bus leaves Gilmour Street at 11-30am.) Another blow for Vale will the loss of the previously ever present Vinny Berry as the player is off to America for the next three weeks and his attacking play will be badly missed but Vale have options with the likes of Russell and Pawsey to come in.
Vale u21 side again lost out to the weather with their cup match at West Park washed out. This week they are due to face Blantyre in the league at the Argyle Park.
Vale doubled there lead after 62 minutes following a slick move by Gourlay on the right and when his pass picked out Jack Buchanan striding into the box the Vale midfielder was sent tumbling and after Orr was booked for the challenge BUCHANAN stepped up to calmly slot the spot kick into the net and secure all three points.
On what was a great team performance Vale had outstanding service from Cavana and man of the match Alan Filshie.
This week Vale are back on their travels when they set off down the M74 to face Larkhall Thistle at Gasworks Park. The bus will depart Gilmour Street at 11-15.
Vales u21 side had a good 2-1 away win over Avoca at Glasgow Green with both goals coming from Alan McPherson. This week they face West Park in the West of Scotland Cup.
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