Match report: Port Vale 2-0 Cambridge United

Winger Cristian Montano was the matchwinner with a quickfire double as former Valiant Uche Ikpeazu was shown red on his Vale return.

Manager Neil Aspin opted to bring back fit-again Ben Whitfield at the expense of Danny Pugh. Whitfield was at the heart of any of Vale’s brightest moments in an otherwise dull opening 44 minutes. However, the game was brought to life when a good goal by Cristian Montano, his second in consecutive games, gave Vale the lead just before the break.

The winger was quick off the mark in the second period adding his second on 47 minutes to put Vale firmly in control.

Neil Aspin brought on Tyrone Barnett to replace Whitfield, who lasted an hour as he continued his recovery from injury. Soon after matchwinner Montano was replaced and received a standing ovation.

In the closing stages, former Vale striker Uche Ikpeazu was shown a second yellow and was dismissed as the visitors played out the game with ten men.

Vale’s defence comfortably held out for a cleansheet as the Valiants recorded a welcome three points to end their recent poor run of form in style.