After last weekend’s 6-2 loss at the hands of Wishaw, the Vale were looking to get their season back on track with three points on Saturday, however, although Kenny Wilson netted an 87th minute equaliser, Royal Albert hit back in the 89th minute to seal a 2-1 win.

Looking back on the match, Hamill said: “It was a depressing weekend.

“The game was surreal to say the least - we really should be beating Royal Albert but it is our own fault, we just didn’t do enough.

“The performance overall was very, very disappointing, we should be doing better at home to Royal Albert.” The visitors took the lead after 39 minutes through James McGill and although Wilson drew the scores level late in the match, Craig Anderson popped up with an 89th minute winner.

The late sucker punch left Hamill gutted and he was far from impressed with a number of his players, he continued: “We got round the back a few times but there was never anyone there to finish off any chances we made - we really didn’t trouble their defence as much as we should have.

“There was no desire from the team, no urgency. We didn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck and when we didn’t do that, the opposition grew in confidence and had a chance of scoring and that is what they did.

“Brian Wardle and Alex Lacy, our two oldest players, were outstanding and the fact they are defenders probably says everything you need to know.

“They put in some sterling work. I don’t want to slate other players but the desire just wasn’t there - they must do better.” This weekend the Vale return to action with a league match against Port Glasgow and Hamill said: “Port Glasgow will be a tough game but we will be looking for a huge reaction because we can’t accept that level of performance again.”