VALE of Lune edged closer to North One safety with a dramatic and thrilling win over fellow strugglers Liverpool St Helens at Powder House Lane.

With both sides deep in the relegation mire, the match was always going to be tense with fingernails bitten throughout an enthralling 80 minutes.

Fortunes fluctuated after Liverpool took an early lead through a penalty. The Vale then went in front thanks to Neil Bennetts, who crossed after a good move and that lead was extended by stand-off Mac Jones, who slotted over the extras.

But Jones had to leave the field after sustaining a badly dislocated thumb - and that blow seemed to dislocate Vale's play.

And Liverpool led 9-7 after two more penalties before Stuart Blackburn booted the locals back in front.

Tyrone Sorour then went over to put Vale 15-9 up but Liverpool responded to with a converted try to lead 16-15 with a matter of minutes remaining.

That stung Vale and they laid siege to Liverpool - and in dramatic conclusion, Blackburn held his nerve to boot a penalty to snatch the points.

The win lifts Vale - but they still face a battle to stay up with three games remaining.

On April 2 they make the trip to Hull then entertain Birkenhead Park a week later before rounding off the season at Altrincham Kersal.