Port Vale 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
Port Vale 2-0 Tranmere Rovers: a double strike from Jennison Myrie-Williams earned Vale a cup win over League One side Tranmere Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Micky Adams named an unchanged starting eleven but with the JPT only allowing five on the bench, Gareth Owen and Sam Johnson dropped out of the matchday squad. It was a quiet opening, but things came to life on the half-hour mark when Dodds and Morsy were both denied.
It ended goalless at the break, but the game burst into life on the hour mark as a terrific strike by Myrie-Williams gave Vale the lead. It was the winger’s second goal of the season and first from open play.
Minutes later Vale could have had a chance to double their lead as Myrie-Williams appeared to be brought down in the box, but the referee waved away Vale’s appeals.
But with 20 minutes ago, Vale did get a penalty after substitute Yates’ ball was handled. Myrie-Williams stepped up to score Vale’s second of the match and his second successful penalty of the season.
Myrie-Williams was in terrific form and had another effort saved as he pressed for a hat-trick. Meanwhile, opponents Tranmere looked somewhat toothless throughout and failed to cause the Vale defence too many problems.
A creditable 2,702 were in attendance to watch the game and most left the ground happy as Vale progressed to the next round. Vale will find out their second round opponents on Saturday lunchtime.
Full-time: Port Vale 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
Vale: Neal, Duffy (Yates), McDonald, McCombe, Loft, Myrie-Williams, Morsy (Burge), Shuker, Vincent, Pope, Dodds (Williamson)
Subs: Taylor, Lloyd