16th August 2022

MK Dons 2-1 Port Vale – Darrell Clarke’s side came away with nothing after a poor performance on Tuesday night, memorable only for Ellis Harrison’s first goal for the club.

Clarke made three changes with Chris Hussey, Robinson and Holden all coming into the line-up. The Valiants had the better of the first fifteen minutes albeit without really creating any clearcut chances.

However, it was the home side who proved the one moment of quality in the first 45 minutes as Bradley Johnson scored from long-range to give the home side a half-time lead. It had been a scrappy half for Darrell Clarke’s side with the Valiants unable to put together a period of sustained pressure.

Half-time: MK Dons 1-0 Port Vale

Ellis Harrison had an effort cleared off the line before Vale keeper Jack Stevens was called into action with a fine save on the hour mark.

There was plenty of effort from the Valiants but little quality in the box. Sam Robinson came close on 62 minutes but he was unable to force the ball home from close range.

The home side looked to have sealed all three points when Johnson drilled a free-kick home but there was a Valiant effort from Clarke’s side in the closing stages as Harrison scored and Vale pushed in vain for a dramatic late equaliser.

It had been a hard-working display from the Vale but with little quality on display and the lack of a cutting edge upfront proving the difference as a more clinical MK Dons side took the three points.

Full-time: MK Dons 2-1 Port Vale

Star man: a real tricky one as there was no real stand-out player for the Vale. Connor Hall looked solid at the back, but if we had to give it to anyone it may be Ellis Harrison who put in a hard running display upfront and was rewarded with a goal.

Honourable mentions: as well as Connor Hall, it was good to see Tom Conlon get some minutes. He’s clearly still gaining match fitness but his quality showed in flashes – Vale fans need to be patient with him as he’ll be an asset again once fully fit. Sam Robinson also put in a decent shift before being replaced.

Match stats

Port Vale side: Stevens – Forrester (Charsley), Smith, Hall – Robinson (Jones), Ojo (Walker), Conlon, Garrity, Hussey (Small) – Holden (Proctor), Harrison

Subs – Stone, Pett

Vale bookings: Harrison

Vale goals: Harrison (90)

Attendance: 7,011 (728 visitors)