Stevenage 0-0 Port Vale report – chances at both ends as it ends all-square
A battling Port Vale performance saw Andy Crosby’s side secure a point at Stevenage – although at times the team held on by the skin of their teeth.
Crosby gave a full debut to Ryan Loft with recent signing Uche Ikpeazu on the bench. Played in rainy conditions Vale enjoyed the better of the opening fifteen minutes as they created three chances in quick succession. First, Loft fired over from a good cross from Sang, Ben Garrity saw a shot blocked and Funso Ojo’s effort was palmed over by the keeper.
It was a promising start by Vale but the home side countered with Roberts blazing over and Nathan Smith headed onto his own bar as the Vale backline was put under considerable pressure by Stevenage.
Steve Evans’ side continued to look the more likely scorers and Vale were grateful for a fine save from Ripley and also survived strong penalty appeals for what looked like a handball by Nathan Smith in the area. It finished goalless at the break with Vale probably fortunate to be on level terms.
Crosby made a half-time change with Ikpeazu replacing Loft and although the new signing looked rusty and short of fitness his physical style caused the Stevenage defence some problems. Good work from the sub set up Ollie Arblaster but his effort was deflected wide. There was also a Kofi Balmer header which was tipped over but those were really the only second-half chances for Vale as the home side dominated the last third of the game.
Connor Ripley pulled off a good one-on-one save while another Stevenage effort was cleared off the line. It was largely backs to the wall from the Valiants in the closing stages but credit to the team as they held firm to pick up a welcome away point.
It was another game in which Vale failed to score but the return of Loft and (in particular) Ikpeazu will give Vale fans cause for optimism that there will be forward options in coming weeks.
Port Vale: Ripley – Lowe, Balmer, Smith – Sang (Massey), Ojo, Arblaster, Plant (Clark) – Garrity, Loft (Ikpeazu), Chislett (Devine)
Subs: Leutwiler, Debrah, Thomas
Vale goals: none
Vale bookings: Balmer, Smith, Arblaster