Port Vale 1-3 Barnsley – Curtis goal in vain as Clarke’s Tykes end Vale’s unbeaten run

Darrell Clarke got the better of his friend Darren Moore as Barnsley knocked Port Vale out of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Team news

Port Vale manager Darren Moore made a number of changes including bringing in Tom Sang and veteran Jason Lowe in a new-look central midfield pairing. Diamond Edwards was named on the nine-man cup bench. Visitors Barnsley named a strong line-up. There was also a ceremony to mark Remembrance Sunday before kick-off.

Report

The visitors had the better chances in the opening minutes as they pressed the Vale defence. However, the first real chance fell to the Valiants when a hesitant defence allowed Paton to run free but no-one could get on the end of his cross.

Vale were to rue that chance when Barnsley netted on seven minutes. Marc Roberts wasn’t picked up in the box and his header beat Ripley to put the Tykes in front.

The home side countered with two chances for Curtis. Firstly his shot on 27 minutes was palmed out by keeper Killip. A minute later Curtis headed over after a good cross from left wingback Conor Grant, Curtis then made it third time lucky when after good work from Paton and Grant the ball fell for the Irishman and he netted to make it 1-1 on 31 minutes. It was Curtis’ third goal of the season and second in cup competitions.

The goal enlivened the Valiants and Paton had an opportunity soon afterwards while there were claims for a penalty as Cover went down in the box. However, Vale nearly conceded at the death but Heneghan cleared the ball off the line to make it all-square at the break.

Half-time: Port Vale 1-1 Barnsley

Vale had a chance early in the second-half with Paton’s free-kick producing a fine save. However, Barnsley took the lead just after the hour mark with a flicked finish from Keillor-Dunn after O’Keefe’s cross. The visitors also came close to a third when Russell’s shot cannoned off the woodwork on 75 minutes.

Vale had another appeal for a penalty when Hackford went down in the box but it was turned down. Minutes later, sub Rico Richards sent a dipping volley just over the bar as Vale looked for an equaliser.

However, those hopes were dashed as Humphrys went down in the box and this time the referee did point to the spot. Phillips made no mistake to convert the penalty to make it 3-1 with ten minutes left. Vale tried to counter but that third goal had given Barnsley confidence and they kept possession in the closing stages to prevent any Valiants comeback. The visitors should have made it four in the final moments but Connell could not find the finish.

Full-time: Port Vale 1-3 Barnsley

Reflections

While it’s disappointing to exit the cup at the first round stage, Vale had acquitted themselves well at times and losing to a team in the top echelon of the division above is no disgrace. There will be some annoyance at the performance of the referee with the penalty looking pretty soft but Vale will be pleased that they matched a good quality Barnsley side for periods of play.

Vale looked strong on the right flank with Cover and Benicio linking up well, while a reshaped central midfield did reasonably OK, considering it was missing three key performers. It was also nice to see Ronan Curtis on the scoresheet once again. Vale will be prioritising the League this season and so it is likely that a very different starting XI, probably including the likes of Croasdale, Garrity and Stockley will take to the pitch next weekend as Vale look to extend their unbeaten League run.

Stats

Port Vale: Ripley – Debrah, Heneghan, Hall – Cover, Lowe, Sang, Grant (Shorrock) – Benicio (Richards), Paton (Stockley), Curtis (Hackford)

Subs: Amos, Edwards, Smith, Chislett, Tolaj

Goals: Curtis (31)

Bookings: Cover, Debrah

Attendance: 5,128

Competition: FA Cup first round

What did you think of the game and the performance? Scroll down and submit a comment.