Port Vale 1-0 Milton Keynes report – Donnelly’s first goal secures a valuable three points
A first goal in Port Vale colours for Nottingham Forest loanee Aaron Donnelly proved to be the difference as the Valiants narrowly defeated League One strugglers Milton Keynes.
Manager Darrell Clarke made just one change from the side beaten at Bolton with Mal Benning returning to the starting eleven but there was an injury boost for the Vale with James Wilson named on the bench.
It was a bitty contest throughout, with a picky referee booking six players despite it being a game free of any real nasty moments. The defining moment came on twenty minutes during a period of Vale pressure. David Worrall miscued his shot in the box but Donnelly was on hand to pounce and coolly sidefoot the effort into the net.
It could have been more for the Valiants with Ellis Harrison denied by the woodwork and another effort from the impressive David Worrall being well saved. The visitors rarely threatened the Vale goal but with the home side unable to stretch their lead it meant a nervy end to the game.
However, Darrell Clarke’s side held out to record another clean sheet and a welcome three points. There were several encouraging performances. Aaron Donnelly did well throughout and found the net, Funso Ojo was lively, Nathan Smith and Will Forrester both impressed at the back but it was Tom Pett, neat and tidy throughout and marshalling play in front of the defence who was the sponsors’ man of the match.
Full-time: Port Vale 1-0 Milton Keynes
Vale: Stone – Forrester, Smith, Donnelly – Worrall, Pett, Ojo (Holden), Garrity (Conlon), Benning – Taylor (Wilson), Harrison (Proctor)
Subs: Stevens, Politic, Agyakwa
Vale bookings: Ojo, Wilson, Harrison
Vale goal: Donnelly (22)