Port Vale 1-0 Exeter City report – Forrester’s cool finish ends long winless run

It wasn’t a classic but as far as Port Vale were concerned it was three points, a clean sheet and a much improved performance at Vale Park.

Darrell Clarke handed a full debut to Matty Taylor who impressed throughout with clever forward play while Sammy Robinson, preferred to Mal Benning on the left flank, also impressed.

The Valiants thought they had taken an early lead but Taylor’s header on seven minutes was disallowed for offside. Exeter countered with a Collins effort that went wide before Vale threatened again with a clever flicked header from Taylor that just went wide. Good work from Aaron Donnelly and Gavin Massey saw another effort blocked as Vale took control of the first-half.

There were appeals for a penalty as Taylor went down in the box while Ojo had an effort deflected wide and Donnelly’s header was also tipped over. However, Exeter were still dangerous on the break with a deflected Scott shot late on.

Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Exeter City

Vale started the second period strongly as well. Good work from Massey set up Robinson whose shot went just wide while a Taylor free-kick was well saved.

However, the game turned just before the hour mark. Exeter’s Harper was dismissed for his second yellow card and Vale took the lead just seconds later. Good work from Massey saw him cross low into the box and the ball found the impressive Forrester who kept his cool to sidefoot home.

Exeter tried to rally but Nombe’s shot was well wide while Stone did well to save at the feet of another visiting player.

The Valiants could have sewn it up in the closing stages but a great run by Worrall saw his final ball just evade Taylor at the far post. Vale then had to survive an appeal for an Exeter penalty and nine minutes of added time as they held out for an invaluable three points.

It was a deserved victory for the Valiants and one which really eases the pressure on Darrell Clarke and his side. In our preview, I mentioned that with the attack boosted it was time for the defence to now step up and a clean sheet was evidence that Vale were much improved at the back. Meanwhile, Matty Taylor had a very promising debut and with Harrison and Proctor on the bench, Vale’s forward issues now look to be behind them.

Full-time: Port Vale 1-0 Exeter City