The Vale went into the game in confident mood after a number of encouraging displays in the Sectional League Cup but by full time on Saturday they were completely drained of that confidence after they were hit for four by their hosts.

The 4-1 victory over Renfrew the previous week suggested that the Vale were in good form and should have expected a good start to their league campaign and the opening 15 minutes on Saturday provided more reasons to be optimistic.

The Vale created a number of chances during that 15 minute spell but were unable to convert any of them — and that was as good as things were to get for the men from Millburn Park.

Two breakaway goals put Rossvale 2-0 ahead before Mark Pawsey pulled a goal back for Vale from the penalty spot shortly before half time.

However, things went from bad to worse for Vale in the second half with Rossvale adding another two goals.

Speaking after the game an infuriated Hamill said: “If it was not the worst performance in my time it was certainly one of the worst.

“We were very poor and it is difficult to explain because up until now we had improved with every game but on Saturday we were very wasteful with possesion and with the early chances we had.

“They had two or three decent players but I think we do have a better team than them when our players play well but on the day that was not the case and we were well and truly beaten by the better team.

“I know my players and I know they are better than that but it is a short season and we can’t afford many slip ups. “Saturday was horrible but we need to hope it was just a bad day at the office and that we play a heck of a lot better against Johnstone Burgh this Saturday.”