Exeter City 0-1 Port Vale – never mind the quality as Valiants pick up long awaited three points

Low quality football, terrible weather, an awful (at least for this fan) journey. It may not be memorable but we’re sure Andy Crosby won’t care less after his side picked up a vital three points at struggling Exeter.

It was contrasting fan emotions at the end as the couple of hundred Vale fans celebrated probably with some relief while Crosby applauded back, grateful for a large weight being removed from his shoulders. In contrast, the home fans vented their frustration towards their manager.

Don’t ask about the first ten minutes. Despite being based just an hour away in West Somerset, this fan spent a less than entertaining hour trying to find a car park in Exeter that wasn’t full. Judging by Vale’s recent performances, we didn’t miss much.

When we did finally get in, it was good to see youngster Rhys Walters get a first League start but it was goalkeeper Connor Ripley to the fore early on with a couple of sharp saves.

It was clear where the issues lay for both sides with both teams wasting chances. Conor Grant had Vale’s first effort while Jesse Debrah made a fine saving challenge to stop an Exeter attack.

The Valiants then took the lead on 29 minutes when Arblaster was on hand to convert from close range from Sang’s corner. It prompted ironic chants of “We scored a goal!” from the Vale fans. The Valiants had further chances to stretch their lead before the break but, to no great surprise, didn’t take them.

It was a different matter in the second-half as the home side pressed. There were two efforts cleared off the line including a sitter for Niskanen who really should have equalised. Exeter continued to press but Vale were equal to the task with Ripley saving another effort from Wildschut.

Sub Ikpeazu had two chances to seal the game. Firstly, he put a header over when he really should have hit the target, then when he did hit the target with a fine close range shot, he found Exeter goalkeeper Sinisalo pulling off a fantastic save.

There was still time for Exeter skipper Aimston to be deservedly sent-off. A string of fouls had only been punished with a solitary yellow but when he blatantly pulled down Ikpeazu, he was shown red and with that Exeter’s chance of anything from the game was over.

So, onto the pluses and negatives… on the minus side, this was a scrappy win over a poor Exeter side, Vale still look desperately short of options upfront and still fail to take chances when they come. On the positive side, Ollie Arblaster was a class act, Connor Ripley a rock, there was an encouraging performance from Jesse Debrah, League appearances for youth teamers Walters and Dipepa, a clean sheet, three points and that rarest of things – a Vale goal from open play.

The relief on the Vale coaching staff and players’ faces at the end were obvious. Let’s have a few more of these Mr Crosby.