Skipper Ben Garrity scored twice as Port Vale began the 2024-25 campaign with a promising 2-0 away win at Salford City.
Team news
Team newsPort Vale manager Darren Moore gave debuts to recent signings Ben Heneghan, Connor Hall, Sam Hart, Ryan Croasdale, Ronan Curtis, Lorent Tolaj and Ruari Paton as the Valiants lined up in a 3-4-3 formation. Curtis, Tolaj and Paton formed a front three while the back three was Jesse Debrah, Heneghan and Hall. Tom Sang was handed the role as right wingback in the absence of the injured Mitch Clark.
First-half
First-halfA late goal by skipper Ben Garrity gave Vale a first-half lead. In a scrappy first forty five minutes the first opportunity fell to Salford with a free-kick saved by Ripley. The home side were on top in the opening stages but without causing any clearcut opportunities. However, Vale were dangerous on the break with the influential Curtis setting up Paton for a shot which was blocked. Good work from Curtis and Croasdale set up Connor Hall on 24 minutes but his shot was saved.
Ripley was out smartly to stop a Salford break on 25 minutes and then there was controversy on 38 minutes when Tolaj powered forward and was brought down. It looked a red card offence but the referee opted for yellow. However, Vale did take the lead late on. Heneghan headed towards goal and rebound found skipper Ben Garrity who slotted home the side’s first goal of the season to give the visitors the lead at the interval.
Half-time: Salford City 0-1 Port Vale
Second-half
Second-halfGarrity’s second goal of the match sealed the win for the Valiants. The second 45 started in a similar scrappy manner although Vale missed a good chance when Sang broke but his cross found the keeper rather than the unmarked Paton. However, Vale would not rue that miss as they doubled their lead on 66 minutes. It came from another corner as an unmarked Garrity powered a header home to spark delight in the away end.
That proved to be enough to earn the Valiants all three points as they professionally closed out the match although a late knock for Garrity will be a worry. What a contrast from the 7-0 thrashing on the opening day of last season!
Full-time: Salford City 0-2 Port Vale
Final thoughts
Final thoughtsConsidering some potentially influential players such as George Byers, Jayden Stockley and Nathan Smith all missed this game, this was an encouraging win by Darren Moore’s team. The season is a marathon and one win will not determine a season but Vale have got off to the best start that they could.
Our pick of the players: Ben Garrity was his usual hard working self but Ronan Curtis (pictured) was also impressive while it was encouraging to see the defence keep a clean sheet.
Match stats
Please note these stats may not update immediately after the game finishes
Vale starting eleven: Ripley – Debrah, Heneghan, Hall – Sang, Croasdale, Garrity (Ojo), Hart – Curtis, Tolaj (Baker-Boatley), Paton (Dipepa)
Subs: Amos, Plant, Shorrock, Lowe
Vale bookings: Ben Garrity, Lorent Tolaj
Vale goals: Ben Garrity (45, 66)
Rate the players
League table
What did you think of the Port Vale performance? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.
3 points on the board and measured performance, not a classic but off to a winning start , early days yet.
3 points and a sun tan! What a superb performance all round. Ripley solid, defence well Marshall ed, midfield pair croasdale and garrity immense.Forward line never stopped running and they will improve as they gel together. Fans insane and finally Ollie Arblaster in the crowd amongst the fans, a fantastic touch from a fantastic player.Best wishes Ollie for the season.
Pleased to see the fight in this ‘new side’. Not a classic but 3 points and a clean sheet.
Superb result. This is practically a new Vale team, but with Smith, Byers, Chislett, and Stockley yet to come into selection there is plenty of strength in depth for the demanding League 2 season ahead.
Great result against good opponent away from home really impressive looking good