Turner, Whitfield impress but defensive deficiencies apparent after heavy reserves loss
Ben Whitfield and Dan Turner pressed their chances of a first-team recall during an otherwise disappointing defeat for Vale reserves.
Neil Aspin named a strong reserve side with the likes of Whitfield, Turner, Anton Forrester, Harry Middleton and Chris Regis all trying to press their first-team claims. Turner was returning after a brief loan spell with Tamworth.
It was Turner who opened the Vale scoring after good work from Whitfield. The Bournemouth loanee then hit the woodwork before scoring Vale’s second goal with a spectacular second-half strike.
Midfielder Chris Regis also hit the post but defensive issues dogged a Vale reserve side featuring Charlie Raglan, Callum Howe and Zac Jules as they allowed home side Morecambe to score four times as it finished 4-2 to the Shrimpers.
Vale: Creockwell, Calveley, Jules, Middleton, Raglan, Howe, Whitfield, Regis (Reeves), Turner, Forrester, Wilson (Benns)
Subs: Blight,Walford, Ward