Crawley Town 1-2 Port Vale
Louis Dodds scored his first goal of the season as the Valiants recorded a valuable away win against Crawley Town.
Rob Page made three changes with Dodds, O’Connor and Duffy coming in for Daniel, McGivern and Robertson.
It was an even start to the game with both sides looking short of confidence. However, on the half-hour mark, veteran midfielder Michael Brown who again showed his worth with his fifth Vale goal of the season – a fine left-footed drive.
The home side had a chance through Miller only for Neal to produce a good save. But just before the break, Louis Dodds scored his first goal of the season to put Vale firmly in command. It meant that Dodds has now scored in every Vale visit at the Broadfields stadium. It was his 45th goal of his Vale career.
On the hour mark, Crawley were awarded a penalty but Chris Neal was the hero once again as he saved former Valiant Gavin Tomlin’s spot-kick. Minutes later, Tomlin was denied again thanks to a fine tackle by O’Connor.
Vale should have made it three in the final quarter, but Dany N’Guessan was unfortunately unable to score when clean through.
There was a late double blow for the Vale as Michael O’Connor was forced off injured and Crawley sub Connor Henderson pulled a goal back in the dying moments, the Valiants held on to record a welcome away victory.
Vale: Neal, Yates, Veseli, Duffy, Dickinson, Marshall, Brown, O’Connor (Robertson), N’Guessan, Dodds, Williamson
Subs: Boot, Lloyd, Campion, Moore, Nimely