Match report: Port Vale 2-1 Rochdale (friendly)
Tom Conlon netted twice from the penalty spot as Port Vale warmed up for the new season with their third successive friendly win.
DISCUSS THE GAME ON THE FORUMThe Valiants were missing injured quartet James Gibbons, Mark Cullen, Cristian Montano and Manny Oyeleke and started with recent signings Dino Visser, David Fitzpatrick, Devante Rodney and Zak Mills in the starting XI.
Vale started brightly with last season’s player of the year David Worrall setting up Devante Rodney who was unable to pull the trigger. However, the visitors countered and new keeper Dino Visser pulled off two smart saves. Scott Burgess then set up Rodney again but his shot went wide.
Both sides were playing neat football but as half-time neared, Done missed probably the best chance so far as he rounded Visser but his weak shot was easily cleared off the line. Theo Robinson also had a close range effort go wide before Vale took the lead. Rodney was fouled in the area and Tom Conlon coolly scored from the resulting penalty kick.
Vale made a couple of changes at the break and there was another penalty decision in their favour as Brisley went to ground in the box. Tom Conlon stepped up to the spot again and made no mistake to make it 2-0. Moments later, Conlon went close to making it a hat-trick with a long-range effort which was tipped over.
Just after the hour mark, Rochdale pulled a goal back with a penalty of their own after Joyce fouled in the box. Morley netted from the resulting spot-kick. The Vale then went close to extending their lead as sub Tom Pope’s close range effort went over. The Valiants had a further chance in the dying moments when Amoo’s header was saved. Rochdale also had a late chance as Newby’s effort was cleared off the line.
The 2-1 win ended a good pre-season campaign for John Askey’s side and puts them in good shape for the season ahead.
DISCUSS THE GAME ON THE FORUMPort Vale team
Visser – Mills, Legge (Smith), Brisley, Fitzpatrick (Crookes) – Whitehead, Conlon (Trickett-Smith), Burgess (Joyce) – Rodney (Pope), Robinson (Amoo), Worrall