Match Analysis: Port Vale 0-2 Preston
Port Vale slumped to a disappointing home defeat against Preston’s ten men as Joe Garner netted twice for the visitors.
Port Vale slumped to a disappointing home defeat against Preston’s ten men as Joe Garner netted twice for the visitors.
Micky Adams made two changes with fit again Carl Dickinson returning in place of Rob Taylor and Louis Dodds taking injured skipper Doug Loft’s place.
The match began in controversial circumstances as Preston’s Neil Kilkenny was dismissed just twelve minutes into the game for violent conduct following a clash with Anthony Griffith.
However, Vale failed to take advantage as Joe Garner gave the visitors a shock lead on 25 minutes. Vale immediately countered with Pope forcing a good save out of Rudd but the Valiants were unable to put Preston under any sustained pressure and Micky Adams promptly made a change at half-time with Rob Taylor replacing Anthony Griffith.
The home side were somewhat brighter in the second period with chances for Williamson, Robertson and Myrie-Williams. Vale were starting to up the tempo as they introduced attacking subs Tomlin and Hughes but they were hit by a sucker punch as the visitors broke, Neal brought down Hayhurst and Joe Garner netted from the resulting spot-kick.
That second goal knocked the stuffing out of the Valiants who were unable to beat a stubborn Preston defence. The defeat ended a run of three wins for the Valiants and Micky Adams side will be keen to turn things around against old rivals Walsall on Saturday.
Vale: Neal, Yates, Robertson, Duffy, Dickinson (Tomlin), Myrie-Williams, Griffith (Taylor), Lines, Dodds, Williamson (Hughes), Pope
Subs: Johnson, Chilvers, Hugill, Birchall
Attendance: 5,889 (1,059 away)