Following on from last weeks 'Great Escape', Vale produced a 'Magnificent Seven' goal display in front of a large audience on Saturday to see them comfortably into the New Year. It really was men against schoolboys as the League Leaders gave Wick Academy a lesson in football from start to finish.

Vale were led out to rapturous applause from a healthy post-Christmas crowd by Match Mascot, Michael Wood from Portsoy.
The cheering and clapping had barely died down when Vale mounted their first attack. Mike McKenzie released Darren McAllister down the right and veteran Nigel Montgomery showed he still had some spring in his heels as he rose above the Wick defence to head just over. A similar move 5 minutes later saw Ian Murray forcing the first of Vale's many corners as he tried to steer the ball home from close range.
The little No 10 showed his eagerness to add to his already impressive goal tally in as many minutes with a fine turn and volley that sailed just over the bar. Two minutes later and Vale were getting closer to the target as Paul Urquhart saw a fine header crash off the crossbar. Mike McKenzie was in position for the rebound but unfortunately so was the Wick defence who bravely blocked his fierce drive.
In 21 minutes Vale finally found the key to open up the Wick goal with a textbook move. Ian Murray split the defence with a slide rule pass to Paul Urquhart who showed great composure in finishing with a great right foot shot which flew past MacMillan and nestled in the bottom right hand corner of the net for the opener. Vale continued to press forward and a great move involving Levi Stephen releasing Steve Dolan down the left side deserved a better finish.
32 minutes gone and Mike McKenzie showed the fans how it should be done! Out of almost nothing the flame haired No 9 launched a rocket of a shot from fully 20 yards which blasted past the keeper for his 18th goal of the season and Vale's second of the day. Vale fans were still speaking about it as the Ref blew for half time much to the relief of the visitors and a very cold Barry Thompson in Vale goal who was never tested in the first 45minutes.

A second half downpour failed to dampen the Vale's spirit and with only 3minutes played Levi Stephen tried to wind his way through the Wick defence only to be scythed down on the edge of the box. The resultant free kick was somewhat of a disappointment as fans expected the distinctive Mike McKenzie 'drive' but witnessed a weak effort wide of the mark.
In 53 it was 33 and 3 ! Eight minutes into the second half and Vale's Ian Murray still puzzling how to get on the scoresheet, decided to use his head. Following a good run down the right side by Matt Kinghorn, Nigel Montgomery swung in the perfect cross low enough for Murray to head in from 6 yards for his 33rd goal of the season and Vale's third. Two minutes later and he made the match score 4 and his own, 34 with a sublime finish from just outside the box, deftly chipping over the Wick keepers head and into the net .
Manager Gregg Carroll made his first substitution on the hour, replacing Paul Urquhart with Mark Chisholm. In his eagerness to participate the sub soon found himself in the ref's book following a fashionable two- footed foul. Five minutes later and it was substitution number two for Vale as Ritchie Taylor replaced Darren McAllister.
Central defensive stalwart Scott Anderson fancied his chances in a game that offered many and was unlucky in 66 minutes as a powerful header from a corner crashed off the post. Two minutes later and Mark Chisholm returned to goal scoring form with a deflected shot inside the box following a goalmouth scramble as Vale went nap.
With the points obviously safe Vale made their final substitution swapping first names Levi for Barry. At the other end Vale keeper Thompson showed great awareness in getting down to a rare Wick strike in 72minutes. He then released Murray up field who tried for his hatrick with a deft lob which sadly trundled just wide.
A minute later and the visitors were hit for six as Mike McKenzie hit the ball high into the net from close range following constant pressure. In 75 minutes Vale completed their magnificent display of finishing with a seventh goal. Young Ritchie Taylor showed great composure in running through and finishing from 15yards with a sweet shot drilled low past the Wick keeper.
Vale fans were dancing and should have had the opportunity for an eightsome reel in the closing minutes. Steve 'Desperate' Dolan looking to end the year on a high went on a great jinking run up field , got as far as the penalty box and was clearly fouled. Unfortunately for Dippy and the Diehards referee Grant felt Vale had been given enough Christmas gifts and said 'bah-humbug' to any penalty claims.
The game finished to great cheers of delight from the fans and possibly a touch of relief from the Manager that no obvious injuries were sustained ahead of next weeks Scottish Cup clash away to Morton. Vale recovered well from last weeks disappointment but know they are in for another 'epic' encounter on Saturday….. Let us hope that the many cars and buses making the long trip to Greenock return not to silence but the Sound of Music !

Vale: Thompson, Dolan, Kinghorn, Urquhart (Chisholm 60), Dlugonski, Anderson, McAllister (Taylor 65), L. Stephen (B.Stephen 70), McKenzie, Murray, Montgomery
Sub Unused Speirs