Port Vale’s first match against Barrow – a thumping victory for the Valiants

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We take a look back to the 7th September 1929 and the occasion of Port Vale’s first-ever competitive game against Barrow.

Background

Port Vale were rebuilding ahead of the 1929-30 season following the sale of star striker Wilf Kirkham to Stoke City. There was an emphasis on experience with proven scorer Sam Jennings joining alongside former Welsh International keeper Arthur Brown and Bolton defender Bill Cope.

Prior to this game

This match was Vale’s third of the Third Division (North) season and their third straight win. The Vale had conceded just one goal up to that point with summer signing Sam Jenning already netting three times. However, Jennings was missing in this game through injury.

After the game

Vale continued their blistering start by winning ten of their first eleven games. However, the club had to overcome a devastating loss on the 29th September when manager Joe Schofield died. Tom Morgan stepped up to take over and although Vale’s magnificent form did tail off a little they did enough to win the title at the end of the season. It was the club’s first promotion in the Football League. Jennings was the top scorer with 27 goals while Pynegar netted 22 times.