Match report: Port Vale 1-0 Chesterfield
Caretaker manager Michael Brown’s first game in charge of the club ended in a win thanks to Jerome Thomas’ first goal of the season.
Manager Michael Brown made two changes with Ben Purkiss and Sam Kelly coming into the starting line-up in place of Paulo Tavares and Rigino Cicilia but was forced into a late third change as Alex Jones was taken ill and Cicilia was recalled to take his place upfront.
In a scrappy opening period, the visitors were first to threaten before Jerome Thomas had a chance for the Vale. It turned into a largely even first-half with Cicilia having another chance for the Valiants. However, the best chance of the first forty five fell to Ched Evans after Alnwick made a mistake but the Vale keeper recovered to keep it goalless.
Vale started the second period brightly but produced only a few clear-cut opportunities. However, Michael Brown’s side got a slice of luck when Jerome Thomas’ shot was deflected in to give the home side the lead on the hour mark. It was the winger’s first goal of the season.
The goal prompted Chesterfield to attack and Vale had to soak up a period of pressure as the visitors pressed. The Valiants were restricted to a couple of efforts from Taylor.
Brown brought on striker Dan Turner for a tiring Thomas who left the field to a standing ovation. The rookie had a late chance to score his first senior goal but nevertheless Vale held on to record a priceless home victory.
Attendance: 4,027 (372 away)