Port Vale 4-1 Crawley Town: Garrity hits double figures as Vale net important win
Port Vale 4-1 Crawley: Ben Garrity made it ten for the season as Vale came back from an early goal to defeat Crawley Town.
Andy Crosby made three changes, bringing in Tom Pett, Jamie Proctor and goalkeeper Aidan Stone. However, the Valiants got off to a poor start as the visitors took the lead in somewhat bizarre fashion. A corner on eight minutes saw a good save by Stone but the resulting clearance by Garrity struck Nathan Smith and rebounded into the net.
It took Vale twenty minutes to recover from that blow with just half-chances for Garrity and Proctor to show for it. However, on 25 minutes, the impressive Ben Garrity took advantage of hesitation to round the keeper and bring Vale level.
That goal revived the Vale and on 37 minutes they took the lead when Procter sent James Wilson clear and his low cross was converted at close range by David Worrall.
There were further chances for Vale but Garrity mis-kicked when found in the area and Hussey blazed over. However, there was a late scare at the end but Stone saved well from an unmarked Appiah.
Half-time: Port Vale 2-1 Crawley
Vale’s good form continued in the second period and they quickly made it three. Aidan Stone’s ball was flicked on by Proctor and Garrity made no mistake with his second of the game. Chris Hussey was next to threaten but his effort went wide.
On the hour mark, Vale made it safe as Connor Hall scored his first for the club after a cross from Garrity. There could have been even more but sub Kian Harratt was denied on several occasions.
After overcoming an uncertain start, it was an impressive showing from Vale with Proctor and Garrity standing out while Stone looked comfortable in goal. The play-offs could still be in their range with more performances like this.
Full-time: Port Vale 4-1 Crawley
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Match stats
Port Vale: Stone; Smith, Martin, Hall; Worrall, Garrity (Walker), Pett, Charsley, Hussey (Benning); Proctor (Edmondson), Wilson (Harratt)
Subs: Holy, Cooper, Amoo
Port Vale bookings: None
Attendance: 5,151 (120 away)