Accrington 3-0 Port Vale – Stanley sweep dreadful Vale aside as appalling run continues

Port Vale’s awful second half of the season shows no sign of ending as the Valiants were comfortably beaten by relegation strugglers Accrington.

In a match where practically nothing went right for Darrell Clarke’s side, recalled keeper Jack Stevens gifted the first goal and for good measure midfielder Funso Ojo was sent-off in stoppage time.

The Vale made four changes including Stevens’ return in place of Aidan Stone. The Vale had an early attempt by Donnelly before an error from Stevens gifted the home side the lead as he dropped the ball over the line on the half-hour mark. Vale countered with a fierce drive from Wilson which was tipped over before the home side scored their second on 41 minutes. Hamilton kept the ball in and his cross was put home from close range by Rodgers.

Half-time: Accrington 2-0 Port Vale

It didn’t get any better for the Valiants in the second period. Darrell Clarke made four changes on 57 minutes but Accrington netted their decisive third goal just minutes later. McConville drew a foul in the box and Pressley made no mistake with the spot-kick.

The home side could have had a fourth but Stevens saved and there was more embarrassment for the Valiants in stoppage time as Ojo was dismissed for violent conduct. It means Vale are now five games since a win and seemingly in no form at all as the season draws to a close.

Full-time: Accrington 3-0 Port Vale

---

Vale performance stats

Vale: Stevens – Forrester, Smith, Donnelly (Benning) – Massey, Pett, Ojo, Butterworth (Politic), Robinson (Worall) – Taylor (Harrison), Wilson (Proctor)

Subs: Stone, Conlon

Vale bookings: Massey

Vale sendings-off: Ojo

Vale goals: none

Attendance: 3,444 (1,173 visitors)

---