Match report: Port Vale 0-0 Tranmere Rovers (4-3 pens) FLT
Port Vale 0-0 Tranmere Rovers (4-3 pens): Goalkeeper Dino Visser had a dream debut as he earned Port Vale an extra point in a Football League penalty shootout win over Tranmere Rovers.
Port Vale manager John Askey made nine changes from the side that defeated Scunthorpe United 2-1 on Saturdayu. Smmer signings Visser and midfielder Danny Whitehead both made their full debuts for the club. There were also welcome returns to action for Cristian Montano and Manny Oyeleke while squad players Dan Trickett-Smith and Alex Hurst also earned starts.
It was the returning Montano and Oyeleke who impressed for the Valiants in the first-half with Oyeleke having the best chance with a powerful header which went over. Oyeleke was being used in a deep role and showed his class with some sweeping passes while Montano looked dangerous playing in an advanced role on the left wing.
The Valiants rested the duo at the break and brought on Tom Conlon and Devante Rodney to replace them. Rodney did well with a cross that striker Theo Robinson was inches away from connecting with. However, the visitors were dangerous and Visser made an excellent save as he impressed on his debut. The lively Devante Rodney also shot over as the game drew to an end with the score Port Vale 0-0 Tranmere Rovers.
In the penalty shootout which followed, Port Vale players Danny Whitehead, Mark Cullen, Devante Rodney and David Fitzpatrick all found the target but Tom Conlon and Dan Trickett-Smith saw their efforts saved. However, they were spared red faces as Visser saved three times to see Vale win 4-3 on penalties. It was a memorable way for the South African to make his full debut for the club.
Port Vale team line-up
Visser – Smith, Brisley, Crookes, Fitzpatrick – Oyeleke (Conlon, Whitehead, Trickett-Smith – Montano (Rodney),Robinson (Cullen), Hurst
Subs: Brown, Worrall, Burgess, Mills