Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Port Vale – Croasdale and Tolaj strikes earn overdue Vale victory

Darren Moore’s side earned their first win in nine games despite a nervy finish at Doncaster. Here’s our match report…

Team news

There was an immediate debut for new signing Jaheim Headley on the left flank after he signed earlier in the week with Mitch Clark returning on the right. Moore kept faith with Ben Amos in goal, Nathan Smith in defence and Antwoine Hackford was selected to partner Lorent Tolaj upfront.

First-Half 

Ryan Croasdale’s third goal of the season gave Vale a half-time lead, albeit against the run of play at the Keepmoat stadium.

The Valiants had the first chance of the game when Tolaj fed Hackford but he lacked the strength to take it past the last defender. However, the loanee burst into life in the middle of the half. It was Hackford’s run down the left flank who set up Vale’s goal on 32 minutes. The loanee cut the ball back to Croasdale whose low drive found the net. Vale had a further opportunity for Hackford but his effort was blocked.

However, despite those Vale efforts it was the home side who largely dominated possession and Vale were grateful for Ben Amos and poor officiating. The veteran keeper produced a fine save on fourteen minutes when he touched Sharp’s drive onto the post. Sterry also went close with a couple of shots but Vale escaped on seventeen minutes when Heneghan looked to clearly handle in the box.

Nevertheless, Vale will be pleased to hear the home crowd upset with their side’s efforts as the half drew to a close and with Darren Moore’s men a goal to the good.

Half-time: Doncaster Rovers 0-1 Port Vale

Second-Half 

A second Vale goal, this time from Lorent Tolaj, earned Vale the win, despite a late Doncaster consolation which produced a nervy finale.

It was a more even second-half although the home side started the brighter with a Sharp header tipped over by Amos. However, Vale came back into the game and after chances for Hackford and Tolaj, the Swiss striker made it 2-0 just after the hour mark. The goal came from good work from Garrity and Croasdale with the latter crossing for Tolaj to flick the ball home from close range.

Doncaster added more and more forward players from the bench but the Vale stayed resilient at the back. In fact, the Valiants could have made it three but Connor Hall’s powerful volley from a free-kick was saved.

As the game went on the referee came under increasing abuse from disgruntled home fans and to be fair to him the official was poor. He missed what looked like a penalty in the first-half and many of his other decisions were erratic and inconsistent.

In the closing stages, Vale came under increasing pressure but it took a deflected effort to beat the impressive Amos. Sterry struck a powerful shot from long-range on 85 minutes and it deflected past Amos’ despairing dive. Despite that setback, Vale’s defence stayed firm as they saw out five minutes of additional time to secure the three points.

Full-time: Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Port Vale

Summary

Well, thank goodness for that. It was a long overdue win for the Vale and it will give the team a lot of confidence.

It was a change of formation for the Valiants and it was good to see a forward partnership upfront.

What was also noticeable was the side pressed much better than they had in recent games.

It would be nice to now see a more settled look to the line-up – surely Amos, Smith, Heneghan, Hall, Clark, Croasdale and Garrity should all now be regular starters?

Players

I thought it was a toss-up between Mitch Clark and skipper Ben Garrity for the star man. Hopefully Garrity has not picked up another injury.

Also impressive were – keeper Amos, the back three, the defensive midfield pairing of Croasdale and the often maligned Lowe.

The front pair flickered at times. Hackford’s pace worried the defence and he set up the opener but he was also outmuscled at times. Tolaj has skill and will be boosted by his goal but is guilty of losing the ball at times.

As for new signing Headley, he started out looking rusty but came more into the game until he started to tire and was replaced by Hart.

Stats

Starting XI: Amos – Smith, Heneghan, Hall – Clark (John), Croasdale, Lowe, Headley (Hart) – Garrity (Chislett) – Tolaj (Paton), Hackford (Curtis)

Subs: Ripley, Richards

Goals: Croasdale (32), Tolaj (62)

Bookings: Croasdale

Attendance: 

Competition: League Two

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