Chris Anderson is fully aware of the challenge his Vale side face today.

Civil Service Strollers are the visitors to Victoria Park and a decent start to the season has them sitting just outside the top half of the table.

However, he is pleased that he is pretty much a full squad to choose from after a difficult spell on the injury front.

He said: “Today we welcome Civil Service Strollers to Victoria park and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Alec Cunningham and his team who have had a good start to the season. They will prove to be a tough challenge for us today.

“With the exception of Ross Brady who has to work work and long term absentee James Elliot we have a full squad to choose from. Competition for places will now be a challenge for the players and once their in it will be up to them to stay there.”

Anderson also reflected on the unfortunate events of last weekend which led to the postponement of the cup tie against Upper Annandale, much to the annoyance of both teams.

Vale officials felt that the pitch was in a playable condition but the referee disagreed and said it was too soft in places. This frustrated everyone involved who were desperate to play the fixture, especially since the away side had traveled a long distance from Moffat.

He added: “I was amazed last week’s game didn’t go ahead. I was not only disappointed for our players who were desperate to put in another good performance, but I felt sorry for the away team who had traveled a distance at some expense.”