Hat-trick hero Callum signs off in style as Vale of Leven secure survival

Callum Smith signed off in style by scoring the goals that secured survival for Vale of Leven.

The frontman’s superb hat-trick against East Kilbride ensured the Vale’s place in West of Scotland League Division Three for another season, with Smith now heading down under for a new life in Australia.

And boss Brian Brown paid tribute to the departing forward for ensuring a happy end to his most challenging season as a manager.

Brian said: “I don’t know whether I enjoyed it or if it was just a complete relief.

“East Kilbride ran us very close. They had a decent shout for a penalty and gave us a real headache.

“We weathered that like we have been doing since the turn of the year and managed to hit them with three really good goals from big Callum.

“It was a good way for him to sign off, he’s away to Australia on the back of a hat-trick and a red card for celebrating. Which is quite a way to mark your last game.

“Callum came up through our U21s and has been at the club for a while. He’s a smashing boy and it was excellent to see him getting a hat-trick.

“He’s really well liked and I’m sure he’ll be missed. He took all three of his goals brilliantly.”

A hectic campaign has seen the Vale battle an injury crisis and player availability issues - with no fewer than seven goalkeepers featuring over the course of the campaign.

The Vale looked certainties for relegation at the turn of the year, before a sensational run of form saw the Millburn side win nine of their remaining 16 games.

Key to that revival has been the signing of forward Ryan Hynes and goalkeeper Craig Rowan - who saved in a penalty in Wednesday night’s vital clash with EK.

Brian explained: “At the start of the season we were struggling to put the ball in the net.

“But