Port Vale 0-0 Oxford United report – improved display as Vale once again lose a man late on
The Valiants at least put on a better display but were unable to find a winning goal as they finished their second, successive match with a man light.
This time it was Dennis Politic who saw red late on with Vale coming closest to a goal through captain Tom Conlon who hit the bar in the second period.
Manager Darrell Clarke rang the changes including bringing Aidan Stone back in the Vale goal. However, Stone was never troubled in a first-half that was desperately low on quality. Vale saw half-chances for Massey and Harrison in a game between two poor sides. Only the occasional through ball from James Wilson cut through a dour first forty five.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Oxford Utd
The Vale were markedly better in the second period and had a string of chances to score only to find Simon Eastwood in fine form in the Oxford goal. Tom Pett and Mal Benning both fired wide before Conlon’s effort on 67 dropped onto the bar. Eastwood tipped over another fierce effort from Benning and also saved well from Conlon and Politic.
Oxford also had chances with an O’Donka effort blocked by Donnelly and a free header missed. However, the game still had a couple of dramatic moments as it drew to a close. Firstly, Oxford came close to a winner only for Forrester to clear off the line and then Politic was dismissed for an elbow on an Oxford defender.
Despite the lack of goals this was an improved performance in a match once again marred by some patchy decisions from the match officials. However, it’s likely both sides will be grateful for a point apiece which boosts both side’s chances of staying up.
Full-time: Port Vale 0-0 Oxford Utd
Vale performance notes
Aaron Donnelly was the sponsors’ man of the match and he put in an improved display. However, there were also good performances from the likes of Mal Benning, Tom Conlon and Will Forrester who had a good game on the right of defence. It was also good to see youth team prospect James Plant getting some game time off the bench.
Vale performance stats
Vale: Stone – Forrester, Smith, Donnelly – Worrall, Pett, Conlon, Benning – Massey (Plant), Wilson (Politic), Harrison
Subs: Agyakwa, Holden, Robinson, Proctor, Butterworth
Vale bookings: Smith, Worrall, Pett, Benning, Massey
Vale sendings-off: Politic
Vale goals: none
Attendance: