Sheff Wed 2-0 Port Vale match report – Valiants end 2022 on a losing note
A first-half penalty and a stunning second-half strike, both from Michael Smith, gave Sheff Wed a 2-0 home win over Darrell Clarke’s Valiants on Thursday evening.
Clarke made four changes to his side including a return to the starting eleven for Will Forrester, but it was the home side who dominated the opening stages as they pressed and harried the Vale defence.
Palmer was causing problems on the right flank and Vale were resorting to some desperate defending at times. However, there were still a half chance for Gavin Massey which he put wide. Meanwhile, the home side were pressing for the opener with Paterson seeing a goalbound effort blocked and a Vaulks shot deflected wide.
The breakthrough came on 28 minutes after Conlon handled a corner and there were no complaints from the Valiants when a penalty was awarded. Jack Stevens went the right way but Smith’s shot was too powerful and gave Wednesday the lead.
Ironically, Vale had their best passage of play of the half after going behind. Wilson found Harrison with a clever pass but he put it wide. There was a further chance for Wilson as he cut inside but he also failed to find the target.
Half-time: Sheff Wed 1-0 Port Vale
The Valiants made a double change at the break and one of the arrivals, Sammy Robinson, immediately impressed with some enterprising runs on the right flank. Robinson created a chance for Harrison but he put it over while an excellent pass by Jones sent Benning clear but he was unable to find the target.
It was a better second-half display by Vale but even so, the home side still threatened to double their lead. Vaulks mis-kicked as Vale struggled to clear the ball before Smith made the game safe on 69 minutes. The striker went past Jones and Smith with ease before expertly curling the ball past Stevens for his second of the game.
It was game over for the Valiants but to their credit they did continue to push forward. Dan Butterworth saw a powerful effort go over while Mipu Odubeko handled when in a good position.
Nevertheless, it was always going to be Wednesday’s night as they generally bossed play and caused the Vale backline problems and they held out for a clean sheet and three points. On the balance of play it was a deserved home win.
It was a disappointing end to the year for the Valiants but with promotion and 32 points banked in the higher division this result will not put a dampener on what has been a thrilling twelve months. There will be much interest in what moves Darrell Clarke now makes in the January transfer window.
Full-time: Sheff Wed 2-0 Port Vale
Port Vale stats
Performance notes:
I though Ben Garrity again looked impressive, perhaps more so in the first-half than the second. Sammy Robinson made a difference with his attacking threat on the right flank. It was good to see Will Forrester back in action but he looked a bit ring rusty and struggled with Wednesday’s attack at times. Ellis Harrison badly needs a goal to give him confidence.
How they lined up:
Stevens – Forrester (Robinson), Smith, Hall – Massey (Politic), Garrity, Conlon, Pett (Benning), Jones – Harrison (Odubeko), Wilson (Butterworth)
Subs not used: Ojo, Stone
Match stats:
Goals: none
Bookings: Garrity and Jones