Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Port Vale report – Wilson at the double as Vale stun Pilgrims
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Port Vale report – a second-half double by James Wilson gave Vale a brilliant away win over Plymouth on Friday night.
It was an entertaining and end-to-end first-half although the home side should really have taken a lead into the interval. Firstly Vale escaped on 28 minutes when a poor Stevens’ clearance only reached Whitaker on the edge of the box but he shot straight at the Vale keeper who saved with his legs. Then Mumba broke clear on the edge of the box but his cross-shot went wide. Then as the half drew to an end Ennis’ shot was blocked by Stevens but Hardie blazed over with the goal at his mercy.
Despite those great chances for the home side, the Valiants also had opportunities. Danny Butterworth had two early chances with his first shot a thunderbolt which was well saved by the Plymouth keeper. There were also half-chances for Ben Garrity, who wriggled into the box and James Wilson whose shot was blocked.
It had been a pulsating half of football. The home side had started comfortably only for Vale to counter and for Plymouth to finish the half strongly. It set up an intriguing final forty five minutes of play.
Half-time: Plymouth Argyle 0-0 Port Vale
The second-half started in much the same vein as the first with more Plymouth pressure. However, Vale stunned the hosts with two quickfire goals within seven minutes of play. Firstly, Nathan Smith flicked on a corner for Wilson to get the final touch on 65 minutes. Then seven minutes later sub Dennis Politic found the striker in the box and he turned to find the target and put Vale two ahead.
The home side immediately countered with a shot by Ennis which rattled the post and looked to have claims for a penalty when Worrall looked to handball but the referee didn’t give it. There were some heroic clearances and more than the odd slice of luck as the home side pushed for a goal. However, Vale could even have made it three from late Politic and Odubeko breaks only for the keeper to save both well.
Despite seven minute of added-on time, the Valiants held firm to record a superb away victory against a side who have won all their previous home League games. The entire Port Vale squad and coaching staff should take a well deserved bow!
Full-time: Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Port Vale
Match stats
Port Vale side: Stevens – Smith, Hall, Jones – Worrall (Cass), Conlon, Garrity, Benning (Forrester) – Butterworth (Politic), Wilson (Odubeko), Massey
Subs: Stone, Pett, Holden
Vale bookings: Stevens, Politic
Vale goals: Wilson (65, 72)
Attendance: 15,633 (400 visitors)