Super League giants Arthurlie were the visitors and they lived up to their favourites billing despite a disappointing first-half.

The opening period offered little in the way of clear-cut chances with Vale’s Stephen Griffen going closest with a looping header which caught out Michael White only to find the crossbar.

At the other end Paul Stewart’s workrate was forcing Paul Nugent and Stuart Burrows to be on their toes but he struggled to make inroads due to poor final balls from wingers Danny Burns and Eddie McTernan.

However, the second half lit up the dull Alexandria weather with the visitors showcasing their supposed Super League talent.

Robert Downs’ side looked like they had been given the proverbial boot up the backside and quickly took the lead in 50 minutes.

Rhys Devlin’s inswinging corner found the head of the unrushing Ryan McGregor who simply diverted the ball beyond Charles Smith.

Stewart doubled the advantage three minutes later, meeting a long ball over the tap before placing the ball beyond the keeper.

Tackles were flying in with Hugh Hamill’s side obviously frustrated to find themselves down. Former Vale man Allan MacPherson was on the receiving end of a couple of hard tackles from the home side, but that only served to spur him on as the hosts would find out in the closing stages.

Craig Cavana found himself in the book for a shocking challenge on MacPherson before Danny Burns made it 3-0 with a fine curling effort to send the boisterous ‘Lie fans, drum in tow, into high spirits in the rickety enclosure.

Connor Hyslop’s well taken effort gave Hamill some hope in 77 minutes but in truth they never looked capable of a comeback.

And MacPherson only served to wind up the home side even more when he stabbed home the final goal in 83 minutes to seal Vale’s fate.

Vale of Leven: Smith, Monaghan, Cavana, Nugent, Burrows, Hyslop, Pawsey (McDonald), Stanley (Trialist), Griffen, McGeachy, McNaught (Cowan).

Subs not used: Wilson and Stillwell.