Vale of Leven got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Carluke at the weekend with boss Brian Brown effusive in his praise.

Vale suffered back-to-back defeats against Ashfield and Thorniewood United prior to this weekend which resulted in Brown challenging his side to react.

And the gaffer was delighted to see his side put in what he described as their best performance of the season with second-half goals from Scott Gallagher and David Brannagan securing the points.

Brown said: “We had asked the boys for a bit of a reaction and we certainly got that. They were excellent on Saturday from start to finish - that was probably the best we’ve played all season. I was really happy with that.

“I said I wanted us to go out and win our last six games, so I’m delighted we’ve started our final run of games with a good win. I think it’ll come down to whatever team puts in the best run together. We need to keep it up now.”

Read more: Vale must win their remaining six games, says boss Brown

Next up as Vale look to finish the season on a high is a tough trip away to St Anthony’s this weekend with Brown admitting three points at McKenna Park is no mean feat.

He added: “St Anthony’s will be a difficult one. It’s always a tough place for us historically but we’re confident we can make it two wins in a row.”