Grimsby Town 1-0 Port Vale match report

Grimsby Town 1-0 Port Vale: Cristian Montano was sent-off as missed chances and a sloppy backpass by Luke Joyce proved crucial as Port Vale’s unbeaten run came to an end against relegated Grimsby Town.

Port Vale started brightly with efforts from Danny Whitehead and Nathan Smith while Scott Brown wasn’t forced into action until 23 minutes of the game. However, Darrell Clarke’s side gifted the home side a goal on 31 minutes when Joyce’s slack backpass let in Matt Green who burst clear and shot past Scott Brown.

The Valiants countered with a drive by Cristian Montano which was well saved while Theo Robinson skied the follow-up. However, it was a subdued first-half performance from the Valiants compared to their impressive recent form.

Vale continued to have chances in the second period with the best falling to David Worrall early on. The winger was sent clear but his shot was well saved by the home keeper. The Valiants continued to push for an equaliser with Theo Robinson chipping over, Tom Conlon’s shot well saved and Nathan Smith’s header headed off the line.

It was one-way traffic in the last ten minutes with Devante Rodney hitting the post and sub Tom Pope’s header saved but the Valiants just couldn’t find the back of the net. There were strong claims for a penalty when Pope looked to be held in the box but the ref was unmoved.

The Vale squad was even more annoyed moments later when Montano was strangely sent-off for challenging for a header and receiving a second yellow card. It looked a very harsh decision from the ref to send him off.  Despite the dismissal, the Valiants continued to push but just couldn’t find the equaliser.

It was one of those days for Port Vale – with the woodwork, the goalkeeper and mystifying decisions from the officials all counting against them as their unbeaten run came to an end.

Full-time: Grimsby Town 1-0 Port Vale