Exeter City 1-0 Port Vale – battling win secures play-off place for Valiants
Exeter City 0-1 Port Vale – James Wilson was the match winner as the Valiants secured a potentially priceless win to at least secure a place in the League Two play-offs.
Returning manager Darrell Clarke brought back James Gibbons, Connor Hall and Ryan Edmondson into his starting eleven with James Wilson playing in the number ten position.
It was the home side who had the early chances as Aidan Stone was forced into two saves – one a close range effort and another a tip over from a cross-shot.
Vale suffered a blow when Chris Hussey limped off to be replaced by Mal Benning before Vale took the lead on 35 minutes. James Wilson got on the end of Connor Hall’s cross and his curling effort found the back of the net.
Half-time: Exeter City 0-1 Port Vale
The Valiants made a bright start to the second period before the home side largely took control with Vale being pushed back more and more.
A Zanzala shot was blocked by Aaron Martin but the Vale backline stayed strong to mainly restrict the home side to half chances. Vale had a couple of chances for James Wilson but it was mostly defending to the fore as the Vale held on to keep a cleansheet and secure a play-off place. There’s still plenty of drama left in the season for Darrell Clarke’s side. It will start on Sunday with a game against Swindon Town.
Full-time: Exeter City 0-1 Port Vale
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Port Vale: Stone; Smith, Martin, Hall; Gibbons, Garrity, Pett, Hussey (Benning); Edmondson (Taylor), Proctor, Wilson (Harratt)
Subs: Covolan, Worrall, Robinson, Amoo
Port Vale bookings: Martin, Wilson, Stone
Attendance: 8,147