The right winger has been one of Mark Lamb’s stand-out players this season.

And the manager is delighted to have his team’s second top scorer for at least another season.

Lamb told us: “I was delighted for Jay to get his hat-trick and I’m delighted for the Vale that he’s decided to stay for another season.

“I have a few other boys who have also signed on for next season which is encouraging.

“It was always going to be a tricky tie today as we only had the one substitute. The score maybe flattered us a bit but it was still a good enough performance.” Despite being two leagues above the Fishermen, Vale took until the 39th minute to edge in front.

Stevens had already rattled the bar and had a goal disallowed for being marginally offside.

But he didn’t make any mistake after Kris Mitchell’s initial effort was blocked in front of goal.

Eyemouth had battled well without creating all that much.

But that changed just three minutes after Vale’s opening strike.

From an in-swinging corner the home defence failed to clear and Keith Buckley hit the back of the net from eight yards out.

It only took Vale a couple of minutes after half time to regain the advantage.

A deep cross was headed into the corner by diminutive full-back Ryan Sclater.

Again Max Scott’s team rallied and only a good save by Mark Wilson prevented Gordon McInness finding a leveller with a powerful freekick.

The game still hung in the balance before Stevens scored a stunning third for the home team from all of 25 yards out on 72 minutes.

Just four minutes later he slid the ball home at the back post for his hat-trick, and Vale’s fourth.

A last minute strike from on-loan forward Kris Mitchell to make it 5-1 was cruel on the battling Fishermen.

But nobody could deny Vale deserving their place in the South Challenge Cup third round.

Lamb added: “The Lowland League will always be our priority – and staying in it. Today was a bit of a distraction but it’s good to get a cup run going and it’ll be interesting to see who we get in the next round.” Vale of Leithen: M Wilson, R Sclater, J Gill, J Blaikie, E Sanderson, S Lynch, R Brady, K O’Brien, A Hunter, K Mitchell & J Stevens.

Eyemouth Utd: A Mutch, A Spiers (R Wylie 44), G McInnes, S Ford, J Walker (S Adamson 50), A Jess, A Lauder, T Wynn, G Burrell, K Iyere & K Buckley.