Port Vale 0-0 Oldham Athletic: the Valiants threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Latics but were somehow held to a goalless draw at Vale Park.
What did you think of the performance? Share your thoughts by posting a comment at the end of the article.
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Manager Darrell Clarke made two changes bringing back the influential David Worrall after injury and also handing a start to Saturday’s goalscorer Will Swan.
Following their late show at Cheltenham, it was heartening to see the Valiants start this game in the same vein. It was a high tempo, pressing game by the Vale which saw the side create a host of chances but without managing to find the target. Kurtis Guthrie missed three headed chances, Will Swan another and there was also a good chance for Worrall, who impressed on his return to the side.
However, the best chance fell to skipper Tom Conlon whose low drive rattled the post with the Oldham keeper beaten. In contrast, Oldham had a couple of half chances and a late free-kick.
It had been an encouraging first-half display for Vale with Worrall shining and also a good performance by left-back Crookes who did well on his return to the left flank. However, it remained to be seen if Vale would come to rue the succession of missed chances.
The second period started in similar fashion to the first. Sub Amoo could have scored with his first touch and then the follow-up eluded Guthrie. The tall striker then had two more chances as it simply would not go in for him. More chances continued to be missed by Vale as Conlon’s shot was blocked after good work from Legge.
Oldham’s chances were few and far between but McCalmont did force Brown into a fine save in the closing minutes. However, there were further chances for Vale as Robinson just missed out and Swan also missed a great opportunity. Skipper Tom Conlon had yet another chance only for the keeper to save. It continued into the eight minutes of injury time as Vale did everything but score.
It was at least a much better performance for the Valiants. The side had worked really hard, had created plenty of chances but just lacked the cutting edge to put one of them in the net. There were also bonuses in the return from injury of Worrall and Amoo.
Full-time: Port Vale 0-0 Oldham Athletic
What did you think of the performance? Share your thoughts by posting a comment at the end of the article.
Port Vale: Brown – Mills, Legge, Smith, Crookes – Rodney (Amoo), Joyce (Oyeleke), Conlon, Worrall – Guthrie (Robinson), Swan (Hurst)
Subs: Scott, Olagunji, Taylor
2 points thrown away against a very poor Oldham side. No quality in the final third as chances went begging. Guthrie and Robinson are clueless, let’s hope Mr Pope can get his boots on soon!!! Saturday will be an interesting one, Bolton are flying. Good to see Wozza back in the team. Keep the faith !!!
What do you mean by chances ? 50/50 balls from Worral which appears to be our only idea of attacking. And if our wingers are not playing due to injury etc we have not got any other ideas on how to craft a decent opening. We are lacking in goal making skills. But it was good to see plenty of effort for a change.