Vale of Leven boss Brian Brown insists his side’s away form must improve after they lost 2-1 to Muirkirk Juniors at Burnside Park on Saturday.

Brown had hoped to see his side seal their fourth win on the trot, but a second yellow for Adam Monaghan after Craig Cowan had put Vale ahead from the penalty spot turned the game on its head.

A man down, Brown’s side were made to pay for squandering a series of earlier chances as Muirkirk refused to give up and two late goals handed the home side the win.

Brown told the Reporter: “It was disappointing especially after the last three games. Probably the first 20 to 25 minutes was all us and we missed six or seven clear cut chances which eventually cost us.”

With a trip to Annbank lined up for Saturday ahead of a home clash with league leaders Lanark United the following week, Brown is hoping his side can pick themselves up sooner rather than later by rectifying their away form.

Brown added: “We definitely need to get the show back on the road. Away form is going to be really important.

“We have played ten games at home and won eight and lost two, but on the road we have won two, drawn one and lost four. Our away form definitely needs to improve and it needs to start on Saturday.

“With Ashfield and Carluke dropping points on Saturday, we’ve not really lost any ground on anyone and we’re quite fortunate that wasn’t the case."