Port Vale 1-0 Stockport County report – Hussey’s first Vale goal proves decisive
Port Vale 1-0 Stockport County – the Valiants’ Football League Trophy campaign got off to a winning start thanks to a first goal in Vale colours for wingback Chris Hussey.
Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke made ten changes to his side with the likes of Will Forrester, Chris Hussey, Dan Jones and Sam Robinson given starts. There was also a debut for West Ham loanee Mipu Odubeko.
It was Robinson who was the first-half’s most impressive performer as he played a couple of through balls to Odubeko, who was unable to take advantage, and the wingback also had an effort on goal himself.
Stockport’s best opportunity was a header by Jennings which was comfortably saved by Stone, while Vale came close to taking the lead just before the break with Pett’s shot going just wide following Jones’ trademark long-throw.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Stockport County
The Valiants had the first chance of the second period through the lively McDermott before Stockport had their best chance when sub Paddy Madden hit the bar on the hour mark. The visitors were made to regret that miss when Vale took the lead. Massey’s shot was blocked only for Hussey to blast home the rebound for his first Vale goal.
There were several breaks for the Valiants in the closing stages as the visitors pressed but the makeshift forward partnership of Odubeko and Small were unable to take advantage despite seven minutes of added time. Vale were grateful to Will Forrester in the last minute of that added time as he blocked a goalbound County effort.
Teenager James Plant came on to make his debut, but one worrying element was that fellow sub Brad Walker was forced off with an injury. That aside, this was a good night’s work for the Vale with several squad members pressing their claims.
Full-time: Port Vale 1-0 Stockport County
Match stats
Port Vale side: Stone – Cass, Forrester, Jones – Robinson, Pett, Charsley (Walker, Hall), McDermott (Plant) – Massey (Small), Odubeko
Subs – Stevens, Agyakwa, Benning
Vale bookings: McDermott
Vale goals: Hussey (64)
Attendance: 1,980