Cheltenham Town 0-0 Port Vale report – Holden hits bar as Vale prove their point
Sub Rory Holden was millimetres from giving Vale the lead as the Valiants picked up a welcome point in Gloucestershire.
Loanee Aaron Donnelly was handed a full debut while youngsters Tommy McDermott and James Plant were named on the bench.
The Valiants can be pleased with their first-half performance as they had the better chances. The lively Dennis Politic was first to threaten with an effort on thirteen minutes tipped over. Debut Donnelly also had his long-range effort tipped over on 24 minutes but Vale’s best chance came on 34 minutes when Politic surged into the box but his low cross just evaded Worrall and was cleared off the line.
The home side only really threatened through set-pieces. One corner saw a header land on the top of the net while Perry missed a close-range effort from in the box from another.
Nevertheless, the Valiants could be pleased with their efforts at the break as they finished the first forty five minutes on top.
Half-time: Cheltenham Town 0-0 Port Vale
There was early pressure from the home side in the early stages of the second-half before Vale threatened with a low drive from Benning which was well saved. The Valiants were then grateful for a great save from Jack Stevens on 56 minutes as he denied May.
Vale countered and had a period of pressure where they had their best chance of the half. A long throw saw the ball reach sub Rory Holden but his headed effort hit the bar.
There was the welcome return of striker Jamie Proctor as the game entered the closing stages. Cheltenham applied pressure and one effort chipped Stevens and rattled the bar before it was flagged offside. There were also appeals for a penalty after an awkward Benning header in his own box but they were waved away. Vale then held firm to record a decent point away from home.
Full-time: Cheltenham Town 0-0 Port Vale
Port Vale stats
Notes
I thought Funso Ojo was the best player on the pitch and controlled the midfield. Credit is also due to the lively Dennis Politic who looked dangerous throughout his time on the pitch. The Vale back three also did well. Aaron Donnelly had the odd nervy moment but grew into the game, Nathan Smith was his usual self while Lewis Cass linked up well with the always lively David Worrall. Credit too to Jack Stevens who had little to do but pulled off one fabulous save.
Team line-up
Stevens – Cass, Smith, Donnelly – Worrall, Garrity, Ojo, Benning – Massey, Butterworth (Proctor), Politic (Holden)
Subs not used – Stone, Forrester, Plant, Robinson, McDermott
Stats
Vale bookings: none
Vale goals: none
Attendance: