Carlisle Utd 0-0 Port Vale match report
Carlisle Utd 0-0 Port Vale: the Valiants failed to make it seven wins in a row but did extend their unbeaten run on Saturday lunchtime.
Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke made one change with Cristian Montano returning for the departed Manny Oyeleke while Harry McKirdy and Tom Pope were on the bench.
It was a scrappy first-half with the home side having the majority of chances but without testing Scott Brown. The visitors did press on occasions but the Vale defence largely held firm with the Carlisle’s chances mainly coming from shots from outside the area.
Vale’s opportunities mainly came from set pieces with Devante Rodney miskicking from a clever routine and Shaun Brisley heading over. However, large periods were played out as a midfield battle with the Valiants holding their own.
There was a change at the break with David Amoo replacing Cristian Montano. Vale started the second period brightly with Leon Legge going close.
As the Vale entered the final third, the Valiants started to get chances. James Gibbons saw a shot blocked and Nathan Smith shot over but striker Theo Robinson had the best chance with his snapshot saved. Harry McKirdy came on against his former club but it was the home side who pressed late on. In the closing moments, there was some good defensive work from the Vale defence in order to keep a clean sheet.
Plaudits are due to the back three of Smith, Legge and Brisley who were solid throughout while James Gibbons also impressed following his recent return to action.
Final score: Carlisle Utd 0-0 Port Vale
Port Vale: Brown – Smith, Legge, Brisley, Gibbons, Conlon, Joyce, Montano (Amoo) – Rodney (McKirdy), Robinson (Cullen) Worrall (Pope)
Subs: Scott, Olagunju, Burgess