Salford City 0-2 Port Vale – skipper Garrity’s double sets up opening win for Valiants

Skipper Ben Garrity scored twice as Port Vale began the 2024-25 campaign with a promising 2-0 away win at Salford City.

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Team news

Port 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.

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First-half

A 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

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Second-half

Garrity’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

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Final thoughts

Considering 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.

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