VALE of Leithen are back in competitive action on Saturday against Kirkcaldy and Dysart at Victoria Park.

In preparation Vale drew 2-2 with Kirknewton in a friendly match with new signing former Falkirk, Whitehill Welfare, Newtongrange Star and Edinburgh United striker James Flynn, son of manager Ian, scoring after 40 seconds. Ross Nicholson scored Vale’s other goal.

Then on Tuesday night Vale lost 5-1 at home to Edinburgh United. The visitors opened the scoring in the third minute with a header from Calum Henderson.

Vale responded and Flynn sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after Daniel McKinlay was fouled in the box.

United regained the lead in the 20th minute when Archie Roue found time and space to shoot from distance.

Flynn’s free kick from long range cannoned off the crossbar and the follow up from a trialist did likewise before the danger was cleared.

Then shortly before half time Luke McMahon made it 3-1 to the Edinburgh club.

McMahon scored his second of the night in the 73rd minute following a counter attack and Jack Wilson added a fifth in time added on with a shot from inside the area.

Manager Flynn said: “I don’t believe we are as bad as the Edinburgh United result suggests but we are still nowhere near ready. You know the saying you have to walk before you can run? Well we still have to learn to stand up.

“My aim is to make us competitive and more attractive to players because this club has a reputation for losing matches. And that’s been built over six years so it won’t change overnight.

“Some nights there’s only been six or seven at training so even though the league starts on Saturday it’s still like a pre-season game for us.

“I’m trying to arrange bounce games for every Tuesday so that the players can get comfortable with how we want to play.

“If you offered me right now avoiding another relegation this season then I’d take that.

“We need another three or four starters but I won’t be paying ridiculous wages. That’s been done here before and didn’t work. What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. So if I fail then it will be for a different reason.

“This is a good club and I can’t speak highly enough of the committee. Everyone is working hard and determined for us to do well but it won’t change overnight. I’ve been in the game long enough to know that.”

In addition to Flynn, the club last week announced the permanent signing of defender Dan Kay, who joined Vale on loan from Edinburgh United back in March, and the versatile Lewis Bell who can play in both defence and midfield.

Also joining is central midfielder Blair White, who was formerly a youth player with St Johnstone, and midfielder Craig Brydon, who was recently with Civil Service Strollers.

Goalkeeper Shea Dowie, who has impressed in close season matches, has joined on-loan from Premier Division Dunbar United until the beginning of September.

Vale were drawn away to Dunbar United in the Scottish Cup. The game will be played on Saturday, September 2.