A quick look at the Lowland League scoring charts will tell you that Blair Atkinson’s loan at Vale of Leithen is going well, and the striker insists it has been even more profitable than he anticipated.

When he joined from Spartans at the start of the season he said he was looking to gain experience of playing in the Lowland League. He quickly found his feet and after finding the net regularly, his deal was extended until the end of the season.

He now has 14 goals for Vale, an indication that he has picked up more than just league experience.

Atkinson said: “The loan is going much better than I thought. It’s giving me everything I need, playing 90 minutes a lot and getting a feel for the league for when I go back to Spartans.

“Playing in the Lowland League has given me loads of experience and I feel I’m getting better. Scoring goals adds loads to confidence and is making me better also.”

Initially only here until Christmas, it was quickly decided that he would see the season out at Victoria Park. He still harbours ambitions of making it at his parent club, whether that be next season or in the future.

When asked about his plans for next season and whether there was a chance of another season on loan he was non-committal, insisting that the priority is the here and now.

“For all I know Spartans are keen for me back next year after doing well here at the Vale but for just now I’m fully committed to playing and and scoring for Vale of Leithen and trying to get them as high up as I can.”

Wherever he ends up, someone will have a proven goalscorer on their hands.