Port Vale 2-1 Shrewsbury Town match report – Harrison at the double to down Town
Port Vale 2-1 Shrewsbury Town – striker Ellis Harrison scored a late winner as the Valiants secured an important home victory on Saturday afternoon.
Manager Darrell Clarke made five changes including a debut to Dan Butterworth, who impressed throughout the game with crisp passing and awareness in a withdrawn forward role.
A strong start by the Valiants saw then create their first chance on eight minutes when Massey’s cross was headed wide by Benning. However, a minute later the Vale did take the lead. Mal Benning and James Wilson combined to find debutant Butterworth and his astute through ball sent Harrison through to get his fourth goal in Vale colours.
Shrewsbury looked momentarily shaken by that goal as Vale had chances to increase their lead but they hit back on nineteen minutes with a well-worked goal of their own. Former Vale loanee Rekeil Pyke set up Christian Saydee to make it 1-1.
The Valiants had chances to go back in front but there was a tame effort by Harrison while Butterworth’s deflected shot went onto the roof of the net.
Half-time: Port Vale 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
The Valiants started the second period strongly in the opening minutes before the visitors pressed for a period. However, Vale started to gain momentum as the game passed the hour mark. Nathan Smith had a shot blocked while Harrison’s flick went wide.
The visitors saw a long-range effort from Leahy go over and it looked like both sides may have to settle for a point. However, in the first minute of stoppage time, Harrison rose powerfully to meet substitute David Worrall’s cross and head the Valiants into a lead which they comfortable held onto in the closing minutes of the game.
This was a important three points for the Vale and a game from which they can draw many positives. Dan Butterworth looked accomplished as the link between midfield and the forward two while it was a huge boost for all Vale fans to see talisman James Wilson start. However, it was that man Ellis Harrison who was the difference for the Valiants. With five goals from seven appearances, his transfer window signing is rapidly looking to be a masterstroke.
Full-time: Port Vale 2-1 Shrewsbury Town
Match stats
Port Vale side: Stevens – Cass, Smith, Jones – Massey (Worrall), Ojo, Garrity, Butterworth (Politic), Benning – Wilson (Odubeko), Harrison (Conlon)
Subs – Stone, McCarron, Forrester
Vale bookings: Jones, Butterworth
Vale goals: Harrison (9,90)
Attendance: 7,400