Portsmouth 2-0 Port Vale – Valiants outclassed by table toppers
Portsmouth 2-0 Port Vale – Andy Crosby’s team recorded their third defeat in a row after a fine second-half display by league leaders Portsmouth.
New signing Uche Ikpeazu wasn’t considered matchfit and wasn’t in the Vale squad as the Valiants once again started without a recognised forward.
However, Crosby brought Ethan Chislett back into his starting line-up and Vale started strongly with the playmaker prominent. Firstly, Funso Ojo struck the post before Ollie Arblaster found James Plant in the box but he fired wide.
Both sides had chances in an even first forty five but Vale had the more clearcut chances and could have been in the lead if they’d have taken one of them.
However, it was a different story in the second-half as the home side started strongly. Vale seemed to weather the early pressure – at least until the 52nd minute. However, Connor Ri0pley couldn’t get to a cross and the ball was driven back in to be deflected home from close range by Colby Bishop.
Despite the pressure, Vale still had some chances with Ben Garrity firing over but Pompey doubled their lead when more desperate Vale defending saw the referee award a penalty for a hand ball. Connor Ripley was sent the wrong way by Bishop to put the home side firmly in command.
It could have been worst for the Vale but Garrity headed off the line, a great close-range save from Ripley denied Raggatt and sub Devlin fired over.
So, Vale’s losing run continues but perhaps it was no surprise as Portsmouth look strong favourites to go up this season. It’s time for Vale to rebuild and take stock as they prepare for the arguably considerably easier challenge of Newcastle’s youngsters in the Football League Trophy in midweek.
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Match stats
Date: 7th October
Venue: Fratton Park
Competition: League One
Attendance: 17,837 (618 visitors)
Port Vale
Team: Ripley, Lowe, Balmer, Smith, Sang (Massey), Ojo (Wilson), Arblaster, Grant (Devine), Garrity, Chislett (Thomas), Plant
Subs not used: Leutwiler, Walters, Cass
Bookings: Lowe, Balmer, Arblaster
Goals: none