Spinning on the turntable prior to the Vale of Lune's make-or-break fixture against New Brighton was a recording of Clifford Curzon playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No 1, with George Solti conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

This prodigious, dramatic heavyweight concerto, in three movements, perfectly compliments the Vale's battle for survival in North Two West and in a way reflects the tension and passion underlying their game against New Brighton; passages of quiet contemplation, followed by thundering cascades of notes building to a dramatic finale at the conclusion of the first and final movements.

It was as if the whole game had been played out with Tchaikovsky's music in the background; a game of high emotions, courage, humility, expectation, skill, a veritable feast that had the hairs standing on end throughout, and at the final whistle there was a nanosecond of absolute silence before spontaneous applause filled the air.

It might have been Powder House Lane, but such an ovation would have graced the finest concert halls anywhere.

The Vale now know that they have to repeat this performance on April 12 against Lymm and at Sandbach a week later. However, should Northwich, also ride out their season unbeaten then the Vale will fail in their quest by a single point; this is an opera or a symphony waiting to be written, there will be tears and laughter before the curtain is rung down in the classic tradition.

All at the Vale were aware of the consequences should they be defeated by New Brighton, who are a side to be reckoned with and would punish any lackadaisical or uncommitted play.

These two aspects had been explored in training, there was to be no hiding place, everyone had to shoulder responsibility and front up; individually and collectively the Vale did just that.
Everyone from one to 18, played their part, but there were exceptional performances.

In such adverse conditions, it was always going to be forward orientated with Andrew Sutcliffe, Danny Lin, Carl Lamb outstanding. Skipper Malcolm Fowler led by example while lock Dan Perry was immense.

Common sense suggested the ball was not going to be pinged around willy-nilly, but when the backs did move the ball it was done confidently without any discernable panic. Craig Orrick again underlined what formidable player he is, both in defence and attack, a real thorn in New Brighton's side.

Full-back Adam Armstrong was serenity personified, a baby-faced assassin who converted both tries, kicked two penalties and played a pivotal role in Alistair Richards's try.

Vale had first use of the elements, and, after absorbing early New Brighton pressure, the Vale began to harness the wind and made progress. Sutcliffe was prominent and in the 16th minute the Vale took the lead.

A combination of luck and outrageous ambition pinned New Brighton back. A line-out call went horribly wrong for New Brighton as the ball skimmed through grasping hands before reaching 'Tail End Charlie'. Lamb caught the ball swivelled round and plopped over for an opportunist's try, converted by Armstrong.

This was the ideal start, but New Brighton always posed a threat as their well-drilled forwards expertly smuggled the ball away from grasping hands.

But in the 23rd minute the Vale struck again. Armstrong ghosted into the line before floating a pass to Richards, who, when given space, is far from 'Adagissimo', as was proved when he bolted behind the posts for a try, again converted by Armstrong.

Play was held up for 10 minutes when New Brighton flanker Josh Bates was treated for a serious leg injury (he was detained in Royal Lancaster Infirmary overnight). During the delay, the rain had thankfully eased but not surprisingly for the remainder of the half the tempo dipped.

Armstrong thumped over a long range penalty in the third minute of injury-time, but both sets of players appeared ready for the half time whistle.

The rain began pelting down after the interval and after a minute New Brighton grabbed a try when their skipper, the hugely influential Kati Tuipoluto forced his way over.

Although Tuipoluto was to collect another try from close rang,e he was effectively shackled by the snapping alligators in the Vale's back row in particular.

Playing into the wind, kicks had to measured and accurate, but a low stabbing effort from Richards and a subsequent chase ended with the Vale being awarded a penalty which Armstrong kicked in the 47th minute.

At times the Vale chanced their legs, Neale Foster almost slipped away, while others, who set off on little voyages of discovery, were seldom isolated, but for most of the half the Vale were on the defensive.

Their discipline remained high; the tackling constantly rocked New Brighton back and the longer the game went on the visitor's desperation grew.

With three minutes left Tuipoluto launched himself over from close range from a quickly-taken tap penalty for his try, which Joe Bowner converted.

Eight points adrift, New Brighton would have to manufacture at least a couple of tries in the time remaining, but after the debacle at Reeds Lane on the opening Saturday, when the Vale somehow snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, they were better prepared.

Fresh legs from the bench helped as the Vale played with composure to seal victory.

The penultimate chapter will be played out on the second Saturday in April so to set the mood why not flick on Piotr Ilyich's masterpiece, listen once again and as they say on Classic FM, enjoy.

Vale of Lune: A Armstrong; A Richards, N Bennetts, C Orrick, J Hodder (A Garnett 75), N Foster, O Hughes; P Jackson (D Halliwell 70), G Barton, A Sutcliffe; L Farnworth, D Perry; C Lamb (L Acton 80), D Lin, M Fowler (capt).

Match sponsors: R G Parkins & Partners Ltd.
Matchball sponsor: Phil Sutcliffe.