A Dan Thom hat-trick gave Abbey Vale a comfortable win over Nithsdale Wanderers.
Aiden Kerr scored after just three minutes to put Vale in front, a lead they would hold until the break.
Nithsdale drew level in the second half but Thom restored the lead before Lewis McKenna added a penalty.
Kieran Pirrie headed Vale further in front only for Nithsdale to get one back. However, Thom settled the contest with a stunning strike and then completed his hat-trick late on.
Vale co-manager Allan Clark said: “I wasn’t there I was working but I spoke to the boys on Saturday and they were very pleased to get three points.
“Although it was only 1-0 and they got back to 1-1 we were in control of the whole game and it was never in doubt we’d get the three points.
“We need to try to get as many points on board as we can – we’ve not played a lot of games in the league due to cup games so it’s nice to have points on board.
“Dan played a bit deeper then moved further forward and got his hat-trick. He played well going by reports.
“The majority of the boys played well, there was a tweak of formation at half-time and it seemed to work.”
Vale are back at Maryfield Park this weekend when they welcome Stranraer – if the conditions allow.
Clark added: “The weather has been horrendous. We’re in New Abbey this Saturday and the following Saturday so hopefully the weather allows it.
“It’ll be a hard game, we know that from when we played Stranraer recently.
“They’re a young, fit, well organised team with some older heads. I think they’re a different team on grass to the 3G but it will still be a very hard game. We’ll have to be at our best to get anything.”
