Vale throw title race wide open

SYLVANS' quest for a record-breaking 10th successive Priaulx League title was dealt a significant blow last night when they were beaten 1-0 by injury-ravaged Vale Rec. Vale were without no fewer than nine first-choice players, but a fantastic backs-to-the-wall performance stifled Sylvans' big-name stars and an early second-half goal from stand-in defender Tony Manning earned the green-and-yellows a shock victory.

Effectively, just three points now split the top four sides. St Martin's, having dropped just 13 points, are in the driving seat for the first time this season. Sylvans have lost 14 points, Northerners 15 and Vale 16.

Vale coach Ray Blondel hailed his depleted side's display last night.

'They had more of the play overall and more possession, but perhaps we worked a bit harder,' he said.

'We just dug in and fought brilliantly. Every one of the players did exactly what I asked of them.

'We created only one or two chances and were fortunate to put one away. But I was a bit surprised, considering that they apparently knew our style of play so well, that they found it impossible to break us down.

'We just wanted to frustrate them and make them resort to pumping up long balls and that's exactly what they did. Our game plan worked well.

'I don't really want to talk about the lads that we were missing tonight because I'm just so pleased with how these boys have done. All of them have done themselves and the club proud and they deserved the win just for sheer effort and determination.'

Sylvans coach Richard Packman said that he was 'not unduly concerned' by his team's performance and put the champions' first defeat since the New Year massacre against North down to 'a few unlucky breaks'.

'It just wasn't our night. It just didn't happen for us despite having most of the game,' said Packman.

'It was quite apparent from their formation at the start that they were going to play for a 0-0 draw and it was up to us to unlock them. We didn't quite do enough to break them down.'

The one plus point for Sylvans was the long-awaited return of Paul Nobes from injury. He came on, albeit to no avail, as a half-time substitute.