Match report: Scunthorpe United 3-2 Port Vale
Scunthorpe 3-2 Port Vale: Goals from Tyler Walker and JJ Hooper were not enough as Scunthorpe came from behind to beat a battling Vale side.
Port Vale manager Michael Brown made three changes with Jak Alnwick, Anthony Defreitas and new signing Scott Tanser.
In an excellent first-half performance Port Vale took a one goal advantage into the interval after Tyler Walker pounced on keeper Daniels pushing out a JJ Hooper header. It was a justified lead for the Valiants who had impressed throughout the first forty five minutes.
However, the hosts levelled in the early stages of the second period when defender Remie Streete fouled Craig Davies. Then Vale suffered a blow as Streete’s fellow centre-half Nathan Smith was forced off injured.
But Port Vale rallied minutes later when a good cross from Ben Purkiss was steered home by JJ Hooper for his first goal since returning from his loan spell. Moments later Jak Alnwick pulled off a good save to deny Toney but that save was in vain as seconds later a mistake from Purkiss let in Toney who chipped Alnwick to level the scores.
And on 71 minutes Scunthorpe United sub Tom Hopper put the home side ahead with an excellent finish as they took the lead for the first time in the game. Port Vale responded by bringing on Chris Eagles but it was not enough as the home side held on for victory. It was a bitter defeat after a battling Port Vale performance.
Full-time: Scunthorpe 3-2 Port Vale