Vale fielded a strong side with new loan signing Knutsishvili leading the line.

The game was played on a grass surface that was in excellent condition despite the bad weather the area had been experiencing.

Vale started the game well, playing some nice football and had the upper hand during the early stages of the game.

Their play deserved a goal but several chances were not taken, and they were especially unlucky when a Sean Stewart shot came back of the inside of the post resulting in a melee in the six yard box before the ball being cleared of the line.

However, against the run of play in the 35 minute Jack Guthrie darted into the box and placed the ball passed Gilpin to give the University the lead.

This goal gave the University a lift and the Vale were under the cosh for the remaining minutes of the first half.

HT 1-0

Vale started the second half as they had started the first and were rewarded in the 47 minute when a ball launched by the Vale goalkeeper was missed by the University defence and Sean Stewart ran on to it before lobbing it over the oncoming goalkeeper.

The goal led to an entertaining second half with both teams chasing the winner, with the Vale having the majority of the play and best chances, and the University being dangerous on the break.

This was a good performance by the Vale, which again highlighted the fact that on a good surface they can play some attractive football, and can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken the three points.

The debut of Knutsishvili was also promising with his good link up play and powerful running.

FT 1-1

Having beaten the University in their home game this season Vale will be hoping for a similar result on Saturday at Peffermill Park.

The University sit five points better off in the league than Vale, therefore making this game very important in Vale’s push to take them a way from the bottom end of the table.

The last couple weeks have been played at Victoria Park where the condition of the pitch has been detrimental in restricting Vale’s ability to play their passing game, and playing this Saturday on an artificial pitch should hopefully help them.

Dalbeattie Star’s league position is false and they will provide stern opposition, says Chris Anderson.

They have typically been competing higher up the table but find themselves in second bottom four points behind Vale, giving today’s game added importance.

But Anderson is preparing himself to face the Dalbeattie team he has been used to in previous seasons.

He is though happy with his teams form and believes it is an indicator that they can be a match for Star.

He said: “It’s a crucial match for both teams.

“In recent years today’s opposition have proved to be a strong Lowland League side and their current league position doesn’t do them justice.

“Three wins out of four is good form by anyone’s standards and we will be continuing to build on that in the weeks ahead.

“We can’t look too far ahead and we know that we need to be on the top of our game if we are to get the result we want.”

A busy festive period sees Vale play some of the teams around them and also Borders derbies against Gala, Hawick and Selkirk.

Ando knows it could be a defining period. He added: “The lead up to Christmas will shape our season with big game after big game.

”The players deserve the plaudits for their effort but we all know wins are what is required.”

Three key players come back into the squad for today’s match —Ally Smith, Craig McBride and Brad Raiker.