VALE of Leven manager Hugh Hamill was pleased with his side’s defensive showings after Saturday’s 0-0 draw away to Johnstone Burgh in the exselgroup Sectional League Cup.

Two penalty saves from Vale goalkeeper Scott Morrison helped the visitors come away with a point from Keanie Park.

And Hamill was pleased with his team’s first-half performance against a side in the division above them, but said they were second best after the break.

He said: “In the first half I was quite happy, I thought we made a couple of good chances and were probably the better of the two sides, but I think in the second they had more of it.

“Our goalkeeper saved two penalties, which was outstanding and defensively we looked pretty solid.

“But it’s still early in the season, we came away with a clean sheet and a point so I’m happy.

“We would always like to progress, but the objective this season is to win promotion.

“We’re underdogs for every game apart from the Port Glasgow game, so I don’t think that we’re expected to progress but it was a decent start.”

Vale host Greenock Juniors tomorrow evening, after they comfortably beat Renfrew 3-0, scoring all their goals in a clinical first half.

He added: “I’m sure Stevie Moonie and Stephen Dallas [Greenock managers] will be looking to get one over on us, and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s at home so it’s a good opportunity for the new guys coming in to show the home crowd what they can do.”

Kick-off for the Greenock game is at 6.45pm, and then the Vale travel to Renfrew on Saturday, August 13, (2pm kick-off) before hosting Port Glasgow on Saturday, August 20, in the last game of the group stages of the Sectional League Cup (2pm ko).

Vale of Leven get their Central District Second Division campaign under way away to Dunipace on Saturday, August 27, (2pm ko).