The games between Port Vale and Walsall have always been keenly contested. We take a look at some of them which ended in the favour of the Valiants…
Port Vale 4-1 Walsall, 1986
Jon Bowden celebrates his goal
Over the years, Walsall were always seen as a bogey team for the Vale. Vale fans going to this fixture would not have held out much hope for a win as it had been 21 years since the Valiants had last defeated their old enemy. However, legendary manager John Rudge was slowly making his mark on the side and the winless run was ended in some style. Vale triumphed 4-1 thanks to two goals from non-league find Andy Jones plus other strikes from Jon Bowden and Robbie Earle.
Walsall 2-2 Port Vale (5-6 on penalties), 2012
OK, so it may only be a Football League Trophy game but what a debut it was for Vale goalkeeper Sam Johnson. After the game finished 2-2 in normal time (the Vale scorers were Ryan Burge and Tom Pope) there was a penalty shootout. Johnson saved three penalties and as the game went into sudden death, scored the winning goal himself. “I had a joke before the start with the lads saying I’d score the winning penalty,” Johnson told the media afterwards. “But I never thought it would actually happen.”
Walsall 0-1 Port Vale, 2017
Vale’s recent record against Walsall has been poor and at time of writing you have to go back to 2017 for the last League win. Despite the modest 1-0 scoreline it was a dramatic victory. The home side struck the woodwork before Vale scored a late winner through a magnificent strike from winger Chris Eagles. Sadly, it was not enough to save the club from relegation but at least the fans that season could celebrate a rare win at the Bescot.
Port Vale 2-1 Walsall, 1965
Only 3,521 were present to see Vale triumph at home in 1965. Little were they to know that it would be Vale’s only win over Walsall in the next twenty one years! It was the final match of a miserable season for the Valiants who were relegated from the Third Division. At least they had the consolation of ending with a victory over their old rivals. The Vale goalscorers that day were Clint Boulton and Paul Bannister
Walsall 0-5 Port Vale, 1893
This thumping win was just one victory in a stunning start to the season for the Valiants. The team started the campaign in unbeatable form winning their first seven games and scoring thirty times in the process. The result against Walsall came courtesy of four goals from pacey winger Lewis Campbell and another from top-scorer Billy Beats. The Vale’s run was ended with a resounding 8-1 loss to Manchester City in October. Oh well… you can read more about that amazing start to the season here
Interesting read, particularly the extract about the late Clinton Boulton. I first saw him play in 1966. He was a strong, forceful and versatile defender, equally adept at right back or centre back, well capable of playing at a much higher level. That the Vale chose to sell him to Torquay United in the early 70’s was surprising at the time. The Vale probably needed the £10,000 fee to boost finances. I recall that on occasions Torquay later played him at centre forward with some scoring success. In hindsight a career with potential unfulfilled, although perhaps living in Torquay was the attraction.