Mansfield Town 0-1 Port Vale report – Devine the difference as Valiants reach the final eight
Port Vale will be hoping for a money spinning tie in the final eight of the EFL Cup after a hard fought victory over League Two side Mansfield Town.
Andy Crosby brought back Jason Lowe and Ben Garrity after they missed Saturday’s game through injury while Uche Ikpeazu started upfront replacing Ryan Loft.
There was an early chances for Arblaster and Ojo as Vale started the game much better than they did on Saturday. They went even closer on 25 minutes when Arblaster hit the post after good work from Garrity. There was a further chance for Devine whose effort was deflected wide. However, the home side responded on the half-hour mark with Connor Ripley making a good save from a Keillor-Dunn effort. It was the best chance of the half as it finished goalless at the break.
The crucial matchwinning goal came five minutes into the second-half as Devine was allowed to run to the edge of the box where his shot found the net. It could have been more as Pym saved a Debrah effort and Arblaster saw an effort blocked.
While there were chances for the Valiants, the home side were dangerous throughout but, despite eight minutes of added-on time at the end, they couldn’t find the killer finish to level the tie.
It was the near 1,700 visiting fans who were celebrating at the final whistle as Vale wait to see who they get in the next round – their first appearance in the quarter-finals of this competition. This was a much improved performance from the Valiants from Saturday afternoon – next we’ll have to see if Andy Crosby’s side can carry their cup form into the League.
Port Vale: Ripley – Lowe, Debrah (Cass), Smith – Sang, Ojo, Arblaster, Plant – Garrity, Ikpeazu (Loft), Devine
Subs: Leutwiler, Walters, Conlon, Thomas, Dipepa, Shorrock
Bookings: Smith, Thomas
Goal: Devine (50)
Attendance: 7,432 (1,644 visitors)