Match Analysis: Port Vale 0-1 Peterborough
Micky Adams’ return to managerial duties saw Port Vale slip to an unlucky home defeat against Peterborough United. Read our match report.
The Valiants slipped to an unfortunate home defeat against Peterborough United at Vale Park after Tyrone Barnett scored a late winner.
Manager Micky Adams returned to the bench after his hip operation and he made three changes from the side that crashed out of the JPT to Rochdale. Lee Hughes, Liam Chilvers and Anthony Griffith returned as Vale looked to stifle Posh’s attacking play.
The approach worked as chances were at a premium in the opening period although Vale were grateful for a superb block from Robertson to stop the dangerous Assombalonga. Minutes later, Dan Jones also stopped the prolific attacker with another fine challenge.
Vale had half-chances for Pope and Lines as they battled back into the game and then the impressive Lines cleverly set up a counter attack as Hughes went close. That concluded an entertaining first-half but one person who wasn’t covering himself in glory was card-happy referee Michael Bull who handed out four yellows in that opening 45 minutes.
The two sides were nullifying themselves out though Vale had a great chance on 65 minutes as Pope was sent clear but the striker wasn’t alive to the chance which went begging. And five minutes later, strike partner Lee Hughes also missed a chance.
Vale were now on top and Chris Lines ran the length of the pitch only to mishit his pass to Lee Hughes. Hughes departed to a standing ovation with ten minutes to go as Ben Williamson was introduced.
Vale continued to press in the closing stages but Peterborough broke with five minutes left and Tyrone Barnett scored expertly past Neal to give the visitors the lead.
Micky Adams responded by bringing on Birchall and Dodds but to no avail as Posh held on to secure all three points. It was rough justice on Vale who had done well to match the visitors for most of the game.
Vale: Neal, Yates, Robertson, Chilvers, Jones, Griffith (Birchall), Dickinson (Dodds), Loft, Lines, Hughes (Williamson), Pope
Subs: Johnson, Myrie-Williams, Shuker, Duffy
Attendance: 6,311 (662 away)