Vale's trip to Christie Park ended in defeat for the third year running when they were completely outclassed by reigning League Champions Huntly and lucky to come home with only three goals conceded in a one-sided affair.

Although the Banffers gave themselves a lifeline when Mark Smith scored five minutes from the interval to pull the game back to 2-1 Matty Gairns made sure of the points for the Strathbogie side when he netted shortly into the second period to send the travelling supporters home with little to cheer about following a rather disappointing display from their heroes of recent weeks.

Jerry O'Driscoll had fired his side into a commanding lead with two goals inside the first twenty-five minutes and might have helped himself to a hat-trick before "Rusty's" counter put Vale back in the match, albeit for just eight minutes.
Gregg Carrol went with the same eleven who tore Lossiemouth apart last Saturday which meant no Ian Murray for the second Saturday running, while opposite number Billy Anderson elected to change one or two personnel following his side's midweek defeat at the hands of near rivals Keith.

With the Banffer's defence looking rather shaky O'Driscoll very nearly doubled his goal tally with a carbon copy move to his opener but this time the former Dundee striker just failed to keep his header down when all alone at the back post whilst meeting Gairn's cross.

The home side had loud shouts for a penalty turned down when Gairn's drive appeared to strike the hand of Bryan Dlugonski on its way safely into the arms of Ross Bremner but referee Hassan, who didn't have the clearest of views, waved play on.
Levi Stephen floated an effort just off target from 22-yards as the champions continued to dictate play although Jamie Watt did had a half-chance at the other end but fired weakly straight at Richard Bowman with his unfavoured left boot.

A short free kick by Kenny Gilbert set-up Mike McKenzie and his rasping drive was certainly goal bound before Bowman got a strong hand to turn the ball over the top.

And from the resultant corner Vale got themselves back into the match when a clutch of jerseys jumped to meet McKenzie's flag-kick only for the ball to break free to the waiting Mark SMITH and he volleyed into the unguarded net from 10-yards.

Steve Dolan just failed to get enough on Ross McWilliam's cross from the right as Vale found a new lease of life but the half-time whistle came at the wrong time for the Banffers just when their momentum was on the up

Skipper Dlugonski's mazy run got him into a decent position to pick out a red shirt inside the penalty box but his cross just about summed-up Vale's afternoon when it sliced well wide of its intended destination.
Neil Reid came close to netting a fourth late on when his angled low drive just missed the far post with Ross Bremner at full stretch.
Paul Urquhart and Kenny Gilbert picked up cautions as Vale's away day ended in defeat, the first time they have tasted it so far this campaign.

"We got what we deserved, which was nothing" said an irate Gregg Carrol after the match. "Our defence, who to be fair have looked very strong so far this season, were very poor and the rest of the team weren't much better and if we are serious about our title aspirations then we need to work a whole lot harder for the team and each other".
"The only good thing I can take from this afternoon is that we have the chance to turn it around on Tuesday evening when we entertain Keith in the John Bell Pipeline Aberdeenshire Cup semi-final" added Carrol.