Match report: Port Vale 1-2 Blackpool (friendly)
Port Vale recorded a narrow defeat in their first competitive game in weeks – a behind closed doors friendly with Blackpool.
DISCUSS THE MATCH ON THE FORUM HEREJohn Askey started the game with two trialists in midfielder Ethan Beckford and goalkeeper Dino Visser while Adam Crooks made a composed switch to central defence.
The Valiants started brightly with widemen Worrall and Browne looking lively. However, the home side missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Tom Pope hit a penalty against the woodwork. The Vale were made to pay for that mistake when Blackpool took the lead through Kai Kai just before the break.
It was hard luck on Visser who had pulled off some decent saves, however fellow trialist Beckford had largely struggled to make an impact on the game.
Vale made multiple changes at the break as they introduced new signings Zak Mills, Danny Whitehead and striker Devante Rodney. The changes appeared to work as Trickett-Smith charged down a clearance and Burgess’ excellent finish put Vale level. However, moments later, a mix-up at the back gifted Blackpool the lead again as Anderson took advantage.
The Valiants were then grateful for a good save from Scott Brown to stop CJ Hamilton stretching the lead. Then Vale had a couple of late chanves but Amoo’s close range effort was saved by the keeper while Rodney was flagged offside when clean through. However, second-half chances for the home side were few and far between and keeper Scott Brown made a smart save to stop CJ Hamilton making it 3-1.
There was time for Vale to introduce another trialist in forward Kieran Hayes, but visitors Blackpool held on to record the win. However, it was a useful workout for the Valiants and it is a relief to see football finally return to Vale Park after so many weeks away.
DISCUSS THE MATCH ON THE FORUM HEREPort Vale line-ups
First-half: Visser, Gibbons, Legge, Crooks, Montano, Joyce, Conlon, Beckford, Worrall, Browne, Pope
Second-half: Brown, Mills, Smith, Brisley, Fitzpatrick, Whitehead, Burgess, Trickett-Smith, Amoo, Hurst (Hayes), Rodney