The seconds bowed out of the BEST Cup at the first hurdle under the lights at Lightfoot Green in the second meeting between the two clubs this season. Despite another defeat at the hands of their arch rivals the Vale produced a positive performance.

In recent weeks the Vale have struggled to find any rhythm while repeated maulings have done little to boost confidence but against Preston Grasshoppers they played with determination against very pacey, quality opponents who were quick to exploit any chances that presented themselves in any part of the field.

Injuries during the course of the tie forced the Vale to re-balance the composition of their side but it did appear that the re-jigging of the pack did produce some second half stability and a more solid platform.

Lock forwards Adam Foxcroft and Elliot Hatton maintained a high work rate throughout, prop Aiden Yates is regaining his form and is benefitting from more game time as is Joe Stevens, while Matt Field is settling into his new position in the back row.

Facing a back division full of flair with a balance of the orthodox and the outrageous Vale's threequarters had to be alert to every thrust from their opponents who had some strong cards to play. Simon Wilson set a fine example to those around him with his forthright tackling, Wayne Blythe had a solid game at full back and Josh Whyke was busy number nine in a game that galloped along.

The visitors made an encouraging start and restricted Hoppers to a ten point lead after twenty two minutes. Unfortunately the Vale allowed Preston to seize the initiative, any careless play produced instant punishment, and by half time they trailed 22-3; Neil Walker having kicked a penalty goal.

A talented Preston side kicked on in the second half but they had to work hard against a Vale side that managed to eliminate some of the errors in their game but they were unable to prevent the current Best Cup holders, who defeated the Vale in the final last season, from claiming a place in the next round.

To use an overused sporting adage the Vale can now concentrate on the Premier League as they try to burrow their way out of the basement but there were some signs at Preston that all is not lost. Of course the Vale face a mighty task but with team manger, Tony Gilmour, back with his hand on the tiller the challenges are not beyond the team.

Vale of Lune: J Stevens, G McSporran, A Yates; A Foxcroft, E Hatton; M Field, S Hoare, D Rainford (Capt); J Whyke, N Walker; C Thomas, J Antcliffe, S Wilson, J Fearns; W Blythe. Replacements: C Dempsey, J Hodgkinson, R Mudd.