Match report: Bury 4-1 Port Vale
Port Vale badly missed injured duo Anthony Grant and Paulo Tavares as Nathan Smith’s third goal of his fledgling career was Vale’s only consolation at Bury.
Bruno Ribeiro brought in Sebastien Amoros and Anthony Defreitas to replace his injured midfield duo but Defreitas only lasted 16 minutes (being replaced by Martin Paterson) by which time the home side were already ahead.
James Vaughan took advantage of sloppy Vale play at the back to put Bury 1-0 up. The Shakers doubled their lead on 22 minutes when Jacob Mellis scored a fine second.
Vale had one stand-out chance in the first period when good work from the impressive Thomas set up Alex Jones but the rookie striker tried to find a colleague when it looked easier to score. The Valiants were to rue that miss as Bury went into the break 3-0 following Vaughan’s second goal of the game.
Ribeiro brought on new signing Gazim Shalaj for Jones at the break but minutes later Forrester went down with an injury and Vale were forced to bring in Rigino Cicilia as their third and final change.
Vale actually looked stronger for their enforced changes with Shalaj looking lively. It was the winger who set up the consolation with his cross being scrambled in by Nathan Smith on 58 minutes. At that point, after being under pressure for so long, Vale were on top but Bury made absolutely sure of the three points when Hope’s deflected effort beat Alnwick.
The only consolation for Vale were decent performances from Alnwick, Smith, Thomas and sub Shalaj but overall it was a poor result in driving rain and scant reward for the impressive Vale away following of 1,200.