Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Port Vale – Wilson and Conlon strikes earn Valiants a draw
James Wilson and Tom Conlon were on target as the Valiants earned a draw at High Wycombe in a game marred by some bizarre refereeing decisions.
Darrell Clarke was once again forced in a number of changes including the return of Nathan Smith and a start for Sam Robinson who had an enterprising game on the right flank.
However, there was an early setback for Vale when Wycombe went ahead in just the fourth minute. Poor defending allowed Anis Mehmeti to strike a powerful shot from 25 yards that flashed past Jack Stevens into the net. However, Mehmeti did not endear himself to Vale fans with a provocative celebration in front of the away end.
There was a lengthy delay for an injury to Stevens who appeared to be kicked during a goalmouth melee and Vale took advantage when Wilson levelled from close range to make it 1-1 at the break.
Lewis Wing then restored the home side’s lead in the 61st minute when Alfie Mawson’s free-kick was only partially cleared by Ellis Harrison and Wing had time to control before firing in a superb half-volley from outside the box.
However, Vale refused to give in and Conlon headed in Mal Benning’s corner on 76 minutes to make it 2-2.
In an entertaining finish, marred by some eccentric refereeing decisions – one decision to award Wycombe a throw-in when the ball was hammered out by a Wycombe player was truly ridiculous – both sides had chances to win it with Danny Butterworth and Ellis Harrison both going close but it finished 2-2 with Vale picking up a deserved away point.
However, one worry for the Valiants and their mounting injury list would be a late injury to James Wilson who limped off late on. There were 410 visiting Vale fans in attendance to watch the action.
Match stats
Port Vale side: Stevens – Cass, Smith, Hall – Robinson (Butterworth), Pett, Conlon, Massey (Worrall), Benning – Wilson (Odubeko), Harrison
Subs: Stone, Politic, Agyakwa, Charsley
Vale bookings: Robinson
Vale goals: Wilson (45), Conlon (77)
Attendance: 4,194 (410 visitors)