Port Vale 1-0 Lincoln City report – Butterworth the difference as depleted Valiants end Imps unbeaten run
Port Vale 1-0 Lincoln City – loanee Dan Butterworth netted his first Vale goal as a depleted Vale side overcame Lincoln City at Vale Park.
Manager Darrell Clarke made six changes to the side which narrowly lost to Ipswich with defender Nathan one of those to miss out. However, there were further changes to be made in the first-half as both Ben Garrity and David Worrall limped off.
It was a disjointed start to the first-half with the injury disruptions not helping the passage of play. Garrity had had the first chance of the game with a header before he limped off and there were further half chances for Butterworth, Odubeko and Harrison.
The visitors, who were on a five game unbeaten run were looking dangerous on the break as it finished goalless at the break.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Lincoln City
There was a further chance for the Valiants during the break as Connor Hall replaced Forrester. There was then an early scare for the Valiants when Dan Jones’ misplaced pass played in Garrick but Jack Stevens produced an excellent save.
Vale started to gain momentum as the half progressed with Odubeko missing a good opportunity. However, the striker was to prove influential in the game’s critical moment with his shot parried by keeper Poole and Butterworth following up to drive the ball into the net for his first goal in Vale colours.
It could have been more for the Vale with Robinson and Harrison both going close but the Valiants will no doubt still be delighted with another three points and another clean sheet although the mounting injury list will concern them.
Full-time: Port Vale 1-0 Lincoln City
Match stats
Port Vale side: Stevens – Cass, Forrester (Hall), Jones – Worrall (Robinson), Pett, Garrity (Conlon), Butterworth (Massey), Benning – Odubeko (Massey), Harrison
Subs: Stone, Politic
Vale bookings: Jones, Robinson, Garrity
Vale goals: Butterworth (68)
Attendance: 7,294