Port Vale 2-3 Burton Albion – nine game unbeaten run comes to an end
Port Vale’s run of nine games without a loss came to an end as they ended up 3-2 losers to Burton Albion on Tuesday night.
Andy Crosby handed a League debut to loanee Kofi Balmer after his midweek Football League Trophy appearance while the goalscorer in that game, Ben Garrity, came in for Ethan Chislett in midfield.
The Valiants were in the ascendency in the opening period with some neat football but the visitors took a surprise lead on 11 minutes when Lubala headed home following poor marking in the Vale backline.
The Vale pressed for an equaliser and hit the post through James Wilson before Ben Garrity headed them to parity at the break.
However, a below par second-half performance by the Valiants saw them ship two further goals to Burton. First Seddon scored from close range before Baah’s effort beat Ripley after he broke free on the right.
Vale tried to rally and although midfielder Oliver Arblaster scored his first senior goal late on it was not enough to secure a point for Andy Crosby’s team.
It was a disappointing night for the Valiants but they still sit in a good position in the table and have a chance to get back to winning ways on Saturday against Cambridge. Whether they do will be a good indication of whether their recent form was just a blip or something more.
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Rob Fielding’s match thoughts
Vale’s star man
I thought loanee Ollie Arblaster once again put in a mature performance for one so young and fully deserved his goal.
Key moment
Vale continue to lack a cutting edge – if only James Wilson’s effort had not hit the post or if Vale had been more clinical with other first-half chances then this could have been a different story.
Talking point
Kofi Balmer had an impressive debut but he was less impressive in this game. That’s perhaps understandable after a period out and he needs a bit more time. Perhaps a recall for Lewis Cass is on the cards for Saturday?
Match stats
Date: 19th September 2023
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Competition: League One
Port Vale
Team: Ripley, Balmer (Cass), Smith, Iacovitti (Plant), Sang (Clark), Ojo, Arblaster, Grant, Devine (Massey), Garrity, Wilson
Subs not used: Leutwiler, Lowe, Loft
Bookings: Ripley, Sang
Goal: Garrity (40)