Edusport Academy 2

Vale of Leithen 0

Callum Hodgson

at Galabank

VALE have slipped further down the table after crashing to their second defeat in a row.

And manager Chris Anderson, who was sent to the Galabank stand in the closing stages of Saturday's game, admits his team need to quickly pick themselves up ahead of the forthcoming Scottish Cup.

He said: "Our form has dipped a little since we won up at East Stirlingshire and that is something we will work on in training.

"I thought we looked tired against Kelty last week and we lacked that spark again today.

"We have players returning from injury and I'm sure we can get ourselves back on track."

Edusport stretched Vale early on and it came as no surprise when Scott Ferguson cut in from the left flank in the 11th minute to unleash a tremendous shot into the far corner.

Only some last-gasp defending and a few fine saves from Ross Gilpin prevented the home team going further in front.

Sean Stewart and Brad Rixon tried to cause the home defence trouble with their speed, but Pelmard-Bassi Solal wasn't really tested.

Marc Berry's runs from deep did give Vale a good outlet as half time approached but the former Gala winger couldn't carve out any clear openings.

Edusport began the second half as they did in the first with fast, flowing football.

It was only good luck on the Vale's part that the Academy players couldn't add to their tally.

And Gilpin was called upon time and time again to make saves.

The second goal did eventually arrive in the 70th minute with Jordan Alexandre steering a deep cross into the net.

Vale threw on substitutes in a bid to grab a lifeline and it was a rash challenge on one of them, Liall Smith, which led to Anderson being sent to the stands for his protests.

In the end Edusport held on comfortably for the three points.

Vale of Leithen. R Gilpin, R Brady, A Smith, C McBride, P Dickson, R Currie, A Hunter, B Rixon, M Berry, J Elliot & S Stewart.

Subs K Allan, G Rossi, L Smith, S Wilson & B Raiker.