Increased performance levels will be required if Vale are to recover from their recent sticky patch against third placed Dalbeattie Star.

Manager Chris Anderson acknowledged as much while also reiterating the belief that he has in his players.

Vale have not won in their last four matches, with the last taste of success coming against Gretna 2008 in October. Impressive results earlier in the season means they are finely poised to jump back into the top half, and also acts as a reminder of the ability which exists at Victoria Park.

After a less than convincing campaign last term, Star have turned out to be one of the strongest teams in the league this time out. They earned a 1-1 draw in Innerleithen on the opening day of the Lowland League season but may be a tougher nut to crack away from home.

Anderson said: “Dalbeattie will prove another tough test for us tomorrow and we will have to improve on what has been a disappointing run of games.

“I’ve said from day one we have great group of players here and have huge belief in every one of them. It’s only a matter of time before we go on another good run.

“The league is very tight and only a few wins will put us back up the league. With only a few games of 2016 left it would be nice to end the year on a high.”

What has not helped during the bad run has been the number of injuries the young manager has had to contend with, but he revealed that two of them will be back tomorrow.

“I’m pleased to see Steven Lynch and Ross Brady back in contention for a place in the team after a difficult spell of injuries.”