Gary Harris’s late strike earned Deveronvale a hard-fought three points away to Wick Academy.
Despite falling behind to Ross Allan’s early free kick, second half goals from Kevin Adams and Harris gave Steve Dolan an unlikely first victory as Vale manager.
Wick took the lead in the 10th minute when Ross Allan, who had seen an earlier free kick flash just wide, curled his next set-piece beyond Grant Pennet and into the top corner.
An injury to Wick’s Davie Allan blunted the home side’s attacking threat and Deveronvale finished the half the stronger of the two sides, with Sean Keith coming agonisingly close to an equaliser when his thunderous drive from the corner of the area came back off the crossbar.
Deveronvale equalised in the 72nd minute when Nathan Ross evaded the Wick defence and dribbled across the goal line before squaring for Kevin Adams to tap in from less than a yard out.
The away side grabbed the winner in the 83rd minute when Chris Blackhall’s long range shot was fumbled by McCarthy and Harris pounced on the rebound, with Vale comfortably able to see out the final moments.
