Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Port Vale
A mistake by goalkeeper Chris Martin on his return to the first-team was decisive as Shrewsbury Town finally defeat Port Vale – albeit at the third time of asking.
The twice-postponed fixture ended in a 1-0 win for Shrewsbury and was probably also a moral victory for the home side, who were winning by the same scoreline when the second fixture was called off.
Vale manager Micky Adams made two changes bringing in Martin and Shuker for Tomlinson and Marshall.
An entertaining first-half saw chances at both ends with both keepers pulling off some decent saves.
But Martin should have done better with Matt Richards’ 55th minute strike which gave Shrewsbury the lead.
Vale immediately counter-attacked with strikes from Yates and Griffith well saved by Shrews keeper Neal. The Shrews stopper pulled another fine save from Marc Richards before Martin also got in on the act and tipped a shot onto the woodwork.
Vale continued to press and had strong arguments to be finishing the game against ten men. Substitute Ben Williamson got the better of Ian Sharps but the referee decided not to award the defender a red card for what appeared to be a clear professional foul.
It was a disappointing result for Vale, but one plus point was the performance of youngster Joe Davis who impressed again on only his fourth senior start.
Vale: Martin, Yates, McCombe, Davis, Loft, Rigg, Griffith (James), Dodds, Shuker (Marshall), Pope (Williamson), Richards
Subs: Roe, Morsy