Port Vale 1-2 Derby County report – late goals turn the game as Vale’s luck runs out
A dramatic game at Vale Park was turned on its head in the last two minutes with Derby scoring twice to earn all three points at a packed Vale Park.
To be fair to the visitors, they had multiple chances to score earlier only to be denied by resilient Vale defending with Jack Stevens enjoying his best game in a Vale shirt. Nevertheless, it was a galling result for the Valiants who, with three minutes remaining, had looked on course for all three points.
Manager Darrell Clarke brought Funso Ojo and Dennis Politic into his starting eleven while there was the welcome sight of Jamie Proctor on the subs bench. However, the visitors took early control of the game with Dan Jones surviving two shaky moments.
Vale came back into it with a succession of free-kicks and Dennis Politic, never afraid of shooting, had two efforts blocked. However, Vale’s best chance fell to the lively Dan Butterworth whose effort was tipped around the post.
Despite those Vale chances, the Valiants did ride their luck at time and were grateful for a confident performance by Stevens who denied McGoldrick and Barkhuizen.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Derby County
In the second forty five, the Valiants saw Stevens again deny McGoldrick and Nathan Smith block two attempts before they took the lead. Good play between Massey and Butterworth saw the latter’s shot pushed out and Funso Ojo was on hand to calmly score his first goal for the club.
It looked to have won the game for Vale as the Valiants defence looked to be holding out against Derby pressure. Stevens saved well again from Barkhuizen and also a one-on-one chance with Dobbin.
However, as Vale tied, the visitors struck decisively in the closing minutes. On 87, McGoldrick turned and netted the equaliser and just two minutes later Mendez-Laing broke Vale hearts as he converted another cross to turn the game around.
There was still time for Dan Jones to head just wide from a Vale attack and for Dobbin to rattle the woodwork for Derby as a dramatic game finished. It was a demoralising final few minutes for the Vale but they can hold their heads up high that they matched one of the division’s most fancied and in-form sides for long periods.
Full-time: Port Vale 1-2 Derby County
Port Vale stats
Notes
Jack Stevens had his best game in a Vale shirt with a string of fine saves. However, credit too to Nathan Smith, David Worrall, Funso Ojo and Ben Garrity who all had fine games. Dan Butterworth showed glimpses of class while Gavin Massey also did a lot of unsung work in an unfamiliar position.
Team line-up
Stevens – Cass (Forrester), Smith, Jones – Worrall, Garrity, Ojo, Benning – Politic (Odubeko), Massey, Butterworth (Pett)
Subs not used – Stone, Proctor, Donnelly, Holden
Stats
Vale bookings: Politic
Vale goals: Ojo (56)
Attendance: 10,307 (3,821 visitors)