Vale of Leven 4-1 Carluke Rovers
Brian Brown saluted his young guns, as Vale secured their first win since November.
Brown handed first starts to under-20s duo Ross McGowan and Greg Thackery, with the forwards instantly looking at home at Millburn.
The boss said: “I couldn’t have asked for more from Greg or Ross.
“They didn’t show any nerves and went about it in the right manner. They were a real thorn in Carluke’s side.
“I think their centre-half will still be having nightmares about the two of them. They were outstanding.
“You could see the understanding they had straight away, and they looked like they loved playing at Millburn with its wide open spaces.
“It was a result that had been coming. Our performances have been getting better. You could see we were getting there.
“Saturday was closer to the Vale of old. We looked sharp going forward, scored some good goals and - apart from a rash tackle in the box - didn’t look like losing a goal either. It was closer to where we need to be.”
Brian also reserved praise for wing-back Martin Connolly who bagged a brace.
He continued: “Martin getting his two goals was a reward he’s earned. He’s knocked his pan in since the start of the season.
“Being wide of a back three is a horrible shift at Millburn, but he gets up and down all game. He caused them real bother.”
Connolly got Vale’s opener after eight minutes, with Greg Thackrey doubling the lead before half-time.
Connolly made it 3-0 with four minutes of the second-half played, before Carluke got a goal back - with Joshua Bell stabbing in the rebound after Kyle Baird had superbly saved his spot kick.
But Vale would have the final say when Adam Daniel slotted in from Lee McGeachy’s pass.
The Vale now have a free weekend before a trip to Lesmahagow on March 4, with Brian admitting he’s glad his side have an extra week to recover.
He added: “A lot of the guys are carrying injuries and Carluke gave us a good game. It will be good to give the guys a break to recover.”
