LEADERS Vale found the going tough against Burnham, their closest rivals in Sedemoor division 2, but just prevailed 1-0 yesterday. Burnham kept Vale hemmed into their half of the pitch for much of the first half and enjoyed most of the possession.

However Vale's midfielders and defenders worked together really well and prevented Burnham from taking the lead on numerous occasions.

The second half saw Burnham win a series of short corners but they failed to convert them.

Vale then started stringing a series of attacks together, culminating in a fine cross into the D from player-of-the-match Jill Hansford and a great shot by captain Nadine Gamlin to put Vale 1-0 up.

The final quarter of the game remained intense but Vale saw the match through to retain their lead at the top of the table.