Not for the first time this season the Vale travelled away from base with the minimum number of players and because of an injury to Wayne Blythe they played the closing half hour with only fourteen. Despite this handicap the Vale completed the treble over Altrincham Kersal in addition to keeping their third clean sheet.

It took the Vale until the twenty seventh minute to break down the home side's resistance when Jamie Antcliffe kicked a penalty goal. Five minutes later a powerful charge from the ever dangerous Jake Harrison resulted in a try converted by Antcliffe to complete the scoring in a workmanlike half from the visitors.

Altrincham Kersal began the second half strongly but Blythe, showed no ill effects from a night on the tiles when he intercepted a pass to sprint fifty metres for a try converted Antcliffe in the forty fourth minute. Shortly after Blythe was forced to leave the action with the claret flowing freely from a cut head.

Vale juggled their resources to cover for winger's departure and were able to extend their lead with a try in the sixty fourth minute from the hard working Olly Cowey, who set a splendid example to those around him; Antcliffe's conversion attempt clipped an upright but failed to go over.

With six minutes remaining Joe Clarkson had his considerable efforts rewarded with a try converted by Antcliffe as the Vale stretched further away from the choppy waters of relegation, but they are fully aware that some important and challenging fixtures await them before a safe harbour is reached.

Scrum half Harry Bartle continues to impress and was named man of the match after another courageous, impish, action packed performance. Matt Field put in a full shift in the front row, Al Crookall showed his versatility and when up to full speed he proved difficult to halt. Richard Clarke was hard working throughout, Clarkson was a rock in a Vale side that not only tackled strongly but did not shirk or attempt to avoid responsibility.

Vale A: C Thomas; S Wilson, J Antcliffe, J Harrison, W Blythe; S Coulshed, H Bartle; m Field, s Harrison, O Cowey; A Crookall, s Quick; R Clarke, J Birchall, J Clarkson.

Man of the Match: H Bartle.