Vale lifted themselves off the foot of Conference B courtesy of their first victory since the change in league format but are fully aware that they need to maintain the momentum and build on the confidence generated by their deserved success if they are to avoid a relegation dog fight with two clubs facing dropping out of the prestigious Bateman BMW Premier League at the last knockings.

Although Altrincham Kersal only arrived with fourteen players they opened the scoring when their number nine darted over unhindered for a converted try after three minutes. Vale struggled after this initial shock to their system but in the nineteenth minute the ever alert and dangerous James Moody picked up a loose ball to nip smartly over for an unconverted try.

As the Vale upped the pace, gaps started to appear in the visitor's defence and following a well coordinated attack with players supporting each other, Jamie Antcliffe touched down for an unconverted try in the thirty second minute. Doubts were expressed about a missed Altrincham penalty kick at goal in the twenty seventh minute, but the Vale did not dwell too long on the visitor's misfortunes because they increased their score in the thirty fourth minute.

Kieron Doyle, back in harness after a long absence and playing at scrum half, chipped ahead and won the race to claim an individual try which was converted by Antcliffe. An Antcliffe penalty goal in injury time gave the home side a thirteen point lead.

Vale's winger Jimmy Birchall dotted the ball down after a flowing move, full of sharp direct passing; Antcliffe converted early in the second half. Scott Foy, who was named man of the match, helped to secure his nomination with a deserved try.

Unfortunately after this score the Vale took their feet of the accelerator and the gearbox slipped into neutral. Even though Altrincham were down to thirteen players at this stage because of an injury, they plundered a converted try in the fifty seventh minute.

Having a numerical advantage the Vale never really looked in danger of falling prey to a dramatic reversal but they did cause some touchline hand wringing from their supporters with unnecessary over elaboration and the fact they did not fully exploit the situation of having spare players available against a tiring but spirited side.

Just prior to the final whistle the Vale ended with a flourish that underlined their potential. The attack started from inside their twenty two and ended with Mike Barker sprinting sixty metres for a scintillating try converted by Antcliffe.

Hooker Olly Cowey, skippered the side with authority, leading from the front and taking a least five against the head. He received valuable support from locks Adam Foxcroft and Ryan Needham, who formed a formidable unit in the sets and loose. In the backs Moorby was a powerful threat whenever he had the ball in a game that contained many encouraging signs.

A new challenge awaits the Vale on Saturday when they travel to Wilmslow with memories of their last visit to the Memorial Ground in October when the teams on duty shared the honours in an unbelievable encounter that ended in a mind boggling 48-48 draw. It is doubtful if that score line will be repeated, but Conference B can be full of surprises.

Vale A: S Wilson; J Birchall, J Antcliffe, J Harrison, J Moorby; N Walker, K Doyle; M Field, O Cowey (Capt), A Morrison; A Foxcroft, R Needham; H Wallace, M Barker, S Foy. Replacements: P Jackson, T Smith, G McSporran.

Man of the Match: Scott Foy.