Port Vale 2-3 Burton Albion – lacklustre Valiants lose out at home
Goals from strikers Ellis Harrison and Jamie Proctor were not enough as a below par Vale side were beaten by Burton Albion at Vale Park.
The Valiants took an early lead when Ellis Harrison nodded home after just two minutes but defensive uncertainty allowed Burton to equalise six minutes later through the impressive Dale Taylor. From that moment, the visitors had the best of the play and chances but without adding to their score. That was at least partly due to a fine save by Stone midway through the half.
Vale were also dealt a defensive injury blow with Will Forrester limping off, allowing Derek Agyakwa to make his League debit for the club.
Half-time: Port Vale 1-1 Burton Albion
It was a poor start to the second period for the Valiants. Just three minutes had elapsed when Aaron Donnelly was adjudged to have pulled a Burton player back and Johnny Smith made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-1. It got worse on 67 minutes when Taylor netted his second as poor Vale defending failed to clear a cross.
The Valiants did at least rally in the closing stages with sub Jamie Proctor firing home after the keeper spilled a James Wilson effort but it was to no avail as the visitors held out to take all three points. To compound Vale’s problems, Nathan Smith finished the game barely standing and if he and Forrester face lengthy spells out, it leaves Vale short of numbers at the back.
Full-time: Port Vale 2-3 Burton Albion
Port Vale stats
Notes
It was a sub standard display by most of the Vale team but Tom Pett did at least do well and deserved the sponsors’ man of the match award. Derek Agyakwa looked nervy on his debut while loanee Donnelly showed his inexperience by conceding the penalty. A day to forget for most of the Vale players.
Team line-up
Stone – Forrester (Agyakwa), Smith, Donnelly – Worrall , Ojo, Conlon (Politic), Pett, Robinson (Massey) – Harrison (Proctor), Taylor (Wilson)
Subs not used – Stevens, Holden
Stats
Vale bookings: Agyakwa, Politic
Vale goals: Harrison (2), Proctor (80)
Attendance:
