Vale's opening league fixture looked to be going horribly wrong for the Millburn men when the first half ended in controversial circumstances.

On the stroke of half time Vale conceded possession in midfield and they were caught out by a quick break but keeper Charles Smith rushed from his line to block at the feet of striker Jarvie whose studs left the Vale keeper grazed.

Incredibly, the referee saw it totally differently and pointed to the penalty spot, sending Smith off for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Defender Kenny Wilson donned the gloves for the second consecutive Saturday and could do little as Collinge dispatched the spot kick to the keeper's left to give the home side the lead.

There had been little of note in the opening 44 minutes, but the second half more than made up for it.

Vale were fired up for the second 45 and Mark Pawsey passed up two great early chances to level. The equaliser came in the 59th minute when Scott Arthur's tenacity won a free kick out near the corner flag on the right and Alan Brown's perfect delivery Arthur powered a header into the back of the net.

It got better for Vale as they forged ahead in the 72nd minute with a contender for goal of the season. Stand-in keeper Wilson's speed of thought saw him roll the ball to Mark Pawsey on the right and he had the energy to run the length of the pitch before cutting the ball back to Brown who took one touch before firing a low shot from the edge of the area across the keeper and into the corner of the net.

The home side were having a lot of possession and drew level after 77 minutes. Vale were caught napping when the opposition took a short corner and when the ball came into the box Collinge was unmarked to head home from six yards.

Vale were not going to give in and they got the perfect response within a minute when Lee McGeachy gained control on the right and his delightful chip deceived the keeper and found the far corner of the net.

Having regained the lead, Vale were in no mood to give Rossvale any chance of a point and keeper Wilson was not troubled as his defence stood firm in front of him.

In fact Vale could have added to their tally had youngster Andy Orr been more clinical in front of goal.

This week Vale are back on home turf when promotion favourites Vale of Clyde visit Millburn, kick off 2pm.

Vale: Smith; Wardle, Lacy, Wilson; McGeachy, Cowan, Brown, McNaught, Stillwell (Martin 25); Arthur (Tadlock 87), Pawsey (Orr 77).