Five of the best – Port Vale Football League Trophy ties
It’s a much-maligned competition but nevertheless there have been some highly enjoyable Valiants moments in it – here are five of our favourite Football League Trophy games.
Agree or disagree? Have we missed any obvious ones? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of this article.
Port Vale 2-1 Stoke City – 2001
The first of two Stoke City entries in this list this was unusual as although it was a “home” game, it took place at the Britannia Stadium. The reason was the poor weather and Vale, wary of a fixture backlog, agreed to play it at their rival’s ground instead. Despite losing home advantage, Vale took the lead through Steve Brooker. Nicky Mohan scored in the last-minute to take the game into extra-time before Marc Bridge-Wilkinson sealed the win with a 105th minute penalty. It also remains on the record books as Vale’s last “home” win over their old rivals.
Port Vale 4-3 Fulham – 1993
A truly thrilling game at Vale Park which saw the visitors twice take the lead, once in extra-time, only for Vale to peg them back and eventually win the game. It also contains arguably one of the goals of the seasons with Ian Taylor’s stunning acrobatic effort in extra-time well worth another look. The winner came from, of all things, a surging Neil Aspin run into the box only for the defender to be brought down and Dean Glover converted the decisive spot-kick (apologies for the poor video quality for this clip from our YouTube channel)
Port Vale 4-0 Stoke City B – 2018
Another game against their Potteries rivals and one which resulted in ugly scenes away from the pitch. However, focussing on the action, the Valiants were in dominant form thanks to goals from Tom Pope, Cristian Montano and Luke Hannant – with Hannant’s “pint glass” celebration one that will live long in the memory. In a far cry from many of the other Trophy games. nearly 8,000 were in Vale Park to see the match too.
Port Vale 2-1 Brentford – 2001
This one only misses out on top spot because it was the second time Vale lifted the Trophy. Played at the wonderful Millennium stadium, in front of over 25,000 fans, Vale recovered from conceding an early goal to equalise through a Marc Bridge-Wilkinson penalty. The tiny magician Tony Naylor then played his part, setting up strike partner Steve Brooker for the winner.
CHECK OUT OUR DEDICATED PAGE FOR THIS GAMEPort Vale 2-1 Stockport County
There’s surely no real dispute over the ultimate Football League trophy game for the Valiants. On a heady May day in 1993 Port Vale reached the twin towers of the old Wembley stadium and did themselves proud with a stunning performance. Two great goals from Paul Kerr and Bernie Slaven put Vale in front and despite a second-half Stockport goal, John Rudge’s side held on for a famous win.
CHECK OUT OUR DEDICATED PAGE FOR THIS GAMEAgree or disagree? Have we missed any obvious ones? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of this article.