VALE UNITED ............... 0 PENRHIWFER ............... 2

THIS was a must win for Vale in their quest for yet another promotion, and a failure to get three points has left their hopes dangling by a thread, writes Tony Poole.

While Blaenrhondda have already tucked away the league silverware, who follows them into Division One next winter remains up in the air.

But you can now perm any two clubs from three – Penrhiwfer, Cardiff Cosmopolitan and Cardiff Airport – to win the remaining promotion places.

Vale, who were due to host Aberfan Social last night (Tuesday) ahead of a closing fixture tomorrow night at home to champions Blaenrhondda, are now languishing in fifth place

But they gave it their best shot against the Rhondda side with overseas import Giovanni Bertorelli and young Jay Ellis their standout performers.

It was goal-less at half time but a wonder Penrhiwfer goal on the hour was worthy of winning a game at a higher level.

Though Vale pressed, the visitors made things safe late on with a matchclinching strike.

Earlier, Vale triumphed 2-0 at home against Llanrumney with record sign- ing Luke Cox getting the goals.

Both came from headers in the 25th and 35th minutes, and after that Vale seemed content to reserve energy levels with a lot of tired legs on display.

And fox in the box Cox made it six goals in three games since coming out of an enforced hibernation with a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Cardiff Hibernian in leafy Corntown.

Alex Gregory set up his 30th-minute opener; Cox doubled the lead on the hour and with 10 minutes to go, he toe-poked in for a hat-trick.

However, goalkeeper Gerwyn Teague was then robbed of a possible clean sheet by a dodgy Phil Caseley back pass.