BEN Williamson is hoping his hard work in forging a fledgling professional career will be rewarded with a new contract at Vale Park.

The 23-year-old striker completed stints with non-league Worthing and at the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain before making the breakthrough on the professional stage with League One Bournemouth last season.

But after an injury-hit stint with the Cherries, his career gained momentum when he joined Vale on a one-year contract last June.

He has since gone on to make 22 appearances for Micky Adams's team, scoring two goals.

Now Williamson is concentrating on earning a new deal this summer so he can continue his football education under the Vale boss.

"I've worked hard over last couple of years to get into professional football, so for it to come and go so soon would make all that effort pointless," he said.

"I want to stay in football as long as I can, so I need to keep performing well and get the contracts when I need them."

"Vale have got a great set-up and Micky Adams is a very experienced boss.

"He gives you good knowledge which you have to take on board and use to your advantage. I'd like to stay here."

Williamson scored a brace – his first Football League goals – in Vale's 3-2 home defeat by Shrewsbury last September.

He's hoping for a repeat performance when Vale visit Shrewsbury's Greenhous Meadow stadium on Saturday ... but with a different result.

"Scoring those first league goals ranked high in the highlights of my career," he added.

"But we were losing each time I scored, so I didn't really celebrate.

"We've got Shrewsbury coming up again, so it would be nice to score another two goals and win.

"It's a massive game for us, so hopefully I'll be involved."

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