Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Port Vale report – battling Valiants lose out

The Valiants suffered another defeat but it was a much improved performance at the University of Bolton stadium.

Manager Darrell Clarke brought in Ellis Harrison to partner Matty Taylor upfront and it was Harrison who gave Vale an early lead.

Vale started strongly with Ben Garrity going just wide and it was Garrity who put in an excellent cross on seven minutes for Harrison to convert from close range.

However, that lead lasted just even minutes as the powerful Adeboyejo headed the equaliser from a corner.

Vale had a chance to retake the lead but Matty Taylor miskicked when found by Garrity. The Valiants would rue that chance as Bolton took the lead on 25 minutes. Adeboyejo shielded the ball on the edge of the box and Sheehan took over with his powerful shot giving Stone no chance.

Both sides had chances to score again in the first period with Vale’s best chance coming from a Garrity shot which was well saved.

Half-time: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Port Vale

The second-half continued in much the same high tempo as the first with both sides having periods of pressure. Vale started the brighter with Garrity driving wide from a free-kick. However, the home side then came back into it and had several chances on the break.

Vale continued to battle away and push for an equaliser and there were two late chances – sub Jamie Proctor saw a powerful shot go over the ball and a Matty Taylor header was tipped over.

It ended in another defeat for Darrell Clarke’s side but they had battled hard against one of the division’s form sides and can take more positives than negatives from this performance.

Full-time: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Port Vale