Match Analysis: Sheff Utd 2-1 Port Vale
Micky Adams’ return to Sheffield United was not a happy one. Despite Adam Yates’ first goal of the season, Dan Jones was sent-off as the Vale lost 2-1. Read our match report.
Micky Adams’ return to Sheffield United was not a happy one. Adam Yates scored his first goal of the season, but Dan Jones (right) was sent-off as the Vale lost 2-1.
Micky Adams brought in Jennison Myrie-Williams for the suspended Carl Dickinson while Lee Hughes partnered Tom Pope upfront.
However, Vale found themselves a goal down just after ten minutes after a poorly defended corner allowed Neil Collins to head in via the post.
It went from bad to worse on 20 minutes, when Jones, who had already been booked, was shown a second yellow card for a heavy challenge and was dismissed.
The Vale opted to replace Myrie-Williams, who was clearly irked at the decision, with Duffy as they battened down the hatches. The Blades continued to press and Vale were grateful for some fine saves from Neal as the Valiants defence creaked under the pressure.
But out of the blue, Vale levelled on the brink of half-time as Yates scored past the hapless keeper Long. It was pretty much Vale’s only shot of the half.
It was a scrappy start to the second-half with Vale content to find their way back into the match.
Vale had a strong appeal for a penalty and were holding on more comfortably in the second period despite being a man light. But with fifteen minutes to go, the Blades broke from a Vale attack and Doyle scored to put the home side back in front. Vale failed to rally and were grateful for Neal’s fine save from Miller as the home side looked to stretch their lead.
Overall, the result was a hammer blow for the Vale who had battled back from a poor start only to leave empty handed after their third consecutive defeat.
Vale: Neal, Yates, Robertson, Chilvers, Jones, Myrie-Williams (Duffy), Griffith (Birchall), Lines, Loft, Hughes (Dodds), Pope
Subs: Johnson, Dodds, Mohamed, Williamson, Shuker
Quotes
“We got a goal back and we frustrated them. The 10 men who stayed out there should be proud of themselves.”
– Micky Adams