Connor Ripley pulled off a series of great saves while striker Jayden Stockley had a “goal” disallowed as Vale drew at Bromley. Here’s our match report…
Team news
Manager Darren Moore once again rang changes. Antwoine Hackford started upfront while there was a powerful spine to the side with Debrah, Heneghan and Hall at the back, Harper in central midfield and Stockley as the targetman.
First-Half report
Two superb saves from Connor Ripley kept Vale in the match after a poor showing by the team for the first 45 minutes of the game.
The Valiants were sloppy and flat throughout the first-half. There were misplaced passes from Hall, John, Stockley, Croasdale and Curtis to name just five players and the home side had by far the better chances to take the lead.
The first chance for Bromley arrived after just two minutes. Cheek got the better of John and his shot went just wide. Cheek should have been on the scoresheet but was denied twice by Ripley. On 27 minutes, the impressive Imray found Cheek only for Ripley to pull off a great save. The Vale keeper then pulled off an even better save on 42 minutes as Cheek was denied once again.
In contrast, the Valiants had few chances. Jayden Stockley had an effort blocked while a late Ronan Curtis effort went over the bar.
Half-time: Bromley 0-0 Port Vale
Second-Half report
An improved second-half display, prompted by sub Rico Richards, helped Vale secure a point. However, it could have been more as Jayden Stockley’s header was baffling not given despite clearly crossing the line.
Moore brought on Rico Richards for Ronan Curtis at the break and the sub was prominent as Vale put on a better display. Firstly Richards fed Antwoine Hackford whose shot was saved. The sub then set up Ruari Paton whose shot was parried with Richards just unable to get to the rebound. In between those efforts, Jayden Stockley rattled the post from a 62nd minute corner. Richards also went close with a 72nd minute effort.
However, the most controversial moment came on 84 minutes. Richards was found just outside the box. His shot was parried by the keeper and Stockley followed up. His header looked to have crossed the line but to Vale’s bafflement, the officials did not give it. On the balance of 90 minutes, Vale maybe didn’t deserve to go a goal ahead, but nevertheless it was an awful decision with the ball clearly well over the line.
Despite that, Bromley were still dangerous. Cheek fed the ever dangerous Imray who forced Ripley into another great save while a cracking tackle by Heneghan in the box denied the home side another attempt.
Vale finished the stronger but even so there was still time for another top class save from Ripley in the final seconds. A draw was probably the least Bromley deserved after their first-half dominance and Vale will probably be pleased to take a point back to Burslem.
Full-time: Bromley 0-0 Port Vale
Reflections
You could see the logic in Darren Moore’s starting eleven – pair Hackford’s pace alongside Stockley – but it just didn’t work. Hackford just wasn’t up to the game. He was unable to hold it up and outmuscled far too often. Credit too to Bromley who are far more than a long ball, physical outfit. Veteran Cheek and the dangerous Imray both caught the eye. Vale looked much better when Rico Richards was introduced and Vale will fume over the Stockley “goal” but overall too many players were not at their best and a point is about all Vale deserved from this game.
Starting eleven ratings…
- Ripley – a brilliant display, several top class saves (Star Man)
- Debrah – looked reasonably solid and worked hard
- Heneghan – a shaky first-half but better in second
- Hall – the captain was solid at the back and generally did OK
- John – struggled with Imray’s pace at times but was otherwise decent
- Harper (replaced 90) – a real battle in the middle and got better as game progressed
- Croasdale – not at his best for once but battled away
- Hart (replaced 21) – struggled and was forced off injured
- Hackford (replaced 63) – too lightweight and outmuscled too often
- Stockley – not at his best but had a clear “goal” ruled out late on
- Curtis (replaced 45) – tried hard but unable to influence the game enough
Subs
- Cover (on 21) – came on for Hart and slotted back into the side reasonably well
- Richards (on 45) – did very well and was the main reason for Vale’s improved display
- Paton (on 63) – a lively determined display, unlucky with one shot
- Lowe (on 90) – on for dying moments, not possible to rate his performance
Stats
Starting XI: Ripley – Debrah, Heneghan, Hall – John, Harper, Croasdale, Hart (Cover) – Hackford (Paton), Stockley, Curtis (Richards)
Subs: Amos, Smith, Tolaj
Goals: none (well, none that the officials gave anyhow)
Bookings: Croasdale
Attendance:
Competition: League Two
This component may not immediately update after the match has finished
What did you think of the game and the performance? Scroll down and submit a comment.
Needs to get a settled 11. To many changes every week. No consistency will affect results.
Why does it take so long to get a shot on target. He is still playing players who are not match fit and players who can only play sideways or backwards. Negative tactics and and no pace to supply Stockley.
Byers, Garrity, Benicio injured Chislett and Shorrock not even in the match day squad. I am convinced Garrity and Chislett are to be sold in January and bang goes are promotion hopes.
The Vale’s excellent autumn form with ability to turn close games into wins has fallen off a cliff. There’s a distinct lack of creativity and confidence, with Moore’s frequent changes to starting line ups now seen as a self destruct liability. Given the results of competing clubs, he’s got a real battle now to keep the club in the top three automatic promotion places.
Unfortunately, other teams have worked us out. We are not having the time on the ball at the moment because teams press us, causing panic at the back. Byers and Garrity are obviously missed in midfield. I also feel that we’re not snapping into tackles like we did earlier on in the season or playing our football in their half. I agree that there have been too many changes especially up front. What does Paton have to do to get a consistent run in the first eleven? We are second but the wolves are at the door!
Come on Vale more grit please!!
Crewe and Wimbledon got games in hand if they win the games in hand that knocks vale off the three top spots
All we hear from Moore these days is we will learn from this. If it wasn’t for Ripley’s superb saves the Vale would have lost this match and the goal difference would’ve sunk to a poor +3 or 4. At this rate we’ll be lucky to make the lottery of the playoffs.
Yet again I get the feeling that something is going badly wrong at the club for the third season in a row. At the moment Moores baffling team selections and negative tactics are really hurting the clubs promotion campaign . The unity which had been built up following the disastrous last season is in danger of being lost unless Moore can create a stable team and tactics.
The Vale face bottom of the league Carlisle who have a goal difference of -17 and will be. Scrapping for every ball this coming weekend. The Vale have to win this game with a margin of 2 or 3 goals but I can’t get beyond a boring draw.