20th August 2022

Burton Albion 0-2 Port Vale – a commanding second-half performance saw the Valiants secure their first away win of the season.

Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke made five changes from the side that lost to MK Dons including the return of David Worrall, Lewis Cass and Brad Walker to the starting line-up.

The home side had the first chance of what proved to be an entertaining albeit frenetic first forty five minutes when Ben Garrity was forced to head off the Vale line.

Vale countered on ten minutes when the returning Worrall put in two dangerous crosses before Valiants keeper was forced into a good save from Smith on 17 minutes. Midfielder Brad Walker had a long-range effort tipped over before good work from Tom Conlon and Worrall set up Garrity whose effort was cleared off the line.

The dangerous Smith forced Stevens into another save before the half came to end after a couple of long-range Conlon efforts. It has been a fast paced first-half with both sides having good chances to take the lead. Worrall had been prominent on his return as Vale looked most dangerous on the flanks, Harrison was working hard upfront while the returning Pett and Walker both slotted in well in central midfield.

Half-time: Burton Albion 0-0 Port Vale

Vale started the second period well and had an early appeal for a penalty when Garrity looked to be brought down in the box. However, it didn’t really matter as three minutes later, Harrison’s shot was blocked and Garrity was on hand to find the target for his first goal of the season.

The Valiants were now on top and a Mal Benning shot was palmed out with Tom Conlon not quite able to turn it home. However, the home side were still dangerous as Nathan Smith blocked Brayford’s powerful shot.

Vale had another chance as Benning’s inswinging corner was tipped over by Garratt before the Valiants sealed it in injury time. The ball found Harrison on the half-way and he broke clear and calmly finished past Garratt for his second goal in two games.

This was an excellent performance by the Valiants with some strong performance, a clean sheet and two well-taken goals which delighted the 1,800 travelling Vale fans.

Full-time: Burton Albion 0-2 Port Vale

Star man: even before his late goal, Ellis Harrison had impressed with his workrate. For the second, successive game, he is our player of the match.

Honourable mentions: Ben Garrity did well upfront, Mal Benning was threatening, Jack Stevens solid while Nathan Smith came to the fore as Vale closed things out.

Match stats

Port Vale side: Stevens – Cass, Smith, Hall – Worrall (Massey), Walker, Pett (Forrester), Conlon (Charsley), Benning (Jones) – Garrity – Harrison (Small)

Subs – Stone, Holden

Vale bookings: none

Vale goals: Garrity (49), Harrison (90)

Attendance: