Blackpool 0-0 Port Vale fan match reports – battling display and the better chances
Port Vale put on a determined display on Tuesday evening as they took home a point after a goalless draw at Blackpool.
Welcome to our new feature for the 2023-24 as a selection of supporters offer their opinions on the game.
Rob Fielding – “a resilient defensive display”
The Match
In the space of four days, Port Vale seem to have put their opening day shocker against Barnsley firmly behind them. A resilient defensive display nullified a highly rated Blackpool side, while Vale arguably had the games’ best chances with Dan Jones having an effort disallowed for offside and Gavin Massey blazing wide when put through. The home side had arguably the game’s best player in Oliver Norburn and perhaps a draw was the fairest result.
The Valiants lined up without a recognised striker as Gavin Massey ploughed away upfront but Vale still had some good attacking moments prompted by the creative Chislett and the energetic Garrity who was no doubt keen to impress on his return to his former club. At the back Vale once again looked solid with Connor Ripley commanding in goal and Alex Iacovitti continuing his decent start to his Vale career with another solid performance.
Vale had the better of the first-half and although the home side countered in the second period, with players doubling up on rookie wingback James Plant, the Valiants held firm to take home a deserved point.
Talking Points
What could Vale have taken from the game if they’d managed to field a recognised striker? The much maligned Gavin Massey battled away upfront but perhaps a more natural finisher would have done better with the first-half chance when sent through. With Ellis Harrison injured and James Wilson not fit, a lot rides on the young shoulders of loanee Josh Thomas unless Vale can add to their ranks soon. It’s been a hot topic for some weeks now and it will be fascinating to see what the Vale squad looks like at the end of the transfer window. On this performance, the addition of another quality forward addition could make a real difference to the side.
Player Ratings
It goes without saying that (insert standard phrase about Nathan Smith being the model of consistency here) but there were good performances from his defensive colleagues. Doubts about Alex Iacovitti seem to have faded as he has shown that, so far, he can play at League One level. The signing of Connor Ripley has been a massive plus. Funso Ojo shielded the defence expertly. Dan Jones, after a couple of mistakes in previous games was faultless. However, for me the brightest spark was Mitch Clark on the right flank who was tireless and inventive with his passing.
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