THIS was Vale's best away performance of the season and was one that they had to win to keep away from the relegation zone.

Fast, determined and mounting pressure had the hosts running round like headless chickens right from the kick-off.

But Vale had to wait until the 20th minute before pressure was converted into points. From a difficult angl,e Vale elected to kick at goal after Salians had conceded a penalty, and Clegg did not disappoint as he split the uprights to give the visitors a three-point lead.

Vale continued to dominate the game and foremost in attack was Christian Allanson. One such positive drive saw Allanson create space which Finnan exploited with glee, later releasing Bythell who crashed full-length over the Salians line for Vale's first try.

After the break, Vale continued in the same vane, refusing to let the bloodied hosts back into the game.

Five minutes in and Vale's hooker Paul Barwick seized a loose ball from a Salian line-out and tore down the touch-line to take Vale further into the lead. Mark Spence had a devastating game at the line-out, winning both Vale and Salian ball with ease.

Vale finished the game with aplomb after a good set move, Barwick managed to all over the line for his second and sowewhat luckier try.

This was a game that Vale had to win - they did, and all at Holden Road are breathing a little easier.

With only three league games left, it seems that Vale need to win only two to guarantee Third Division rugby next season.

Can both Burnley's football and rugby teams avoid the drop?

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