Port Vale 2-0 Wolves B report – late strikes settle a mostly dour affair
Port Vale 2-0 Wolves B report – sub Mal Benning’s free-kick and Mipo Odubeko’s header settled a largely dour encounter in Vale’s final Football League Trophy clash.
A much changed Port Vale starting line-up saw rare starts for Harry Charsley and Rory Holden plus a debut for defender Derek Agyakwa. A number of youth teamers were named on the bench. It was a dead rubber tie with both sides already qualifying for the knock-out stages.
The Valiants dominated the opening stages but could not force the first goal. Dan Butterworth had two fine chances – firstly heading weakly at the keeper when unmarked and then his 15th minute shot skewing wide. There were also a couple of chances for the impressive Thierry Small who was threatening with his pace and power on the flank.
The other outstanding first-half performer was Small’s fellow wingback Sam Robinson, who caused chaos with some of his forward runs. He also produced the home side’s best chance of the half as his deep cross found Rory Holden’s head only for the midfielder to head over.
The Vale backline was largely untroubled apart from one chance where Tyler Roberts’ powerful shot was well saved by Stone. It ended goalless at the break with the Valiants no doubt a little frustrated that they couldn’t find the way past a stubborn Wolves defence.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Wolves B
The first Vale effort of the second-fell to Robinson but he blazed his effort over the bar from the edge of the box. Next to threaten was Dan Butterworth who made a good run onto Odubeko’s through ball.
The Valiants were looking impressive but their play was lacking clinical finishing despite some good build-up play at times.
Vale brought on Dennis Politic on the hour mark but it Robinson again who went close with a cross cum shot. Meanwhile, Roberts took advantage of a slip by Agyakwa to force a save out of Stone. Charsley had the next chance as he latched onto a low cross by Cass, but he miscued his effort. It was to be his final efforts of both players as they were replaced by David Worrall and Mal Benning.
Good play by Butterworth set up newcomer Benning and his dangerous cross was hacked away off the line. On seventy minutes, Odubeko turned and had an effort saved as the Valiants continued to look for the opener. Wolves had another half-chance with a run into the box which caused problems to the Vale defence but this continued to be a game which needed a goal.
It looked like Vale had missed their best chance on 78 minutes when David Worrall headed the ball back and Connor Hall’s shot was tipped over by the keeper. However, moments later, Benning’s powerful free-kick beat the Wolves keeper at the near post to put the Valiants ahead. Vale nearly made it 2-0 just afterwards with Hall’s effort deflected wide and they looked comfortable in the closing stages. They duly sealed things with four minutes to go when Odubeko got a deserved goal as he headed home Worrall’s cross. There was time for Vale to bring on sixteen year-old Rhys Walters for his debut in the closing minutes.
Those late strikes meant Vale top the group with three wins and without conceding a goal in the group stages. It also means that the Valiants are now guaranteed a home tie in the knock-out stages.
Full-time: Port Vale 2-0 Wolves B
Match stats
Port Vale side: Stone – Cass (Worrall), Agyakwa, Hall – Robinson, Pett, Charsley (Benning), Holden (Politic), Small – Butterworth (Plant), Odubeko (Walters)
Subs: Pevide, Forrester
Vale bookings: Robinson
Vale goals: Benning (80), Odubeko (86)
Attendance: 1,090