A late header from Jayden Stockley earned Port Vale all three points and boosted their hopes of a place in the automatic promotion places. Here’s our match report.
Team news
Manager Darren Moore made significant changes from the starting line-up against Barrow. Lorent Tolaj started upfront, while Rhys Walters and Ryan Croasdale returned to holding roles. Ben Garrity was named in an attacking midfield role. Kyle John missed out through injury, so the wingbacks were Tom Sang and Mitch Clark.
First-Half
The Valiants were grateful for a late double-save from Ben Amos and the woodwork as it finished goalless at the break. Vale’s best effort saw a Ryan Croasdale half-volley saved.
In a half of two halves, Vale started strongly but were on the back foot as Crewe finished the opening 45 minutes on top.
The first chance came after just a minute when Jesse Debrah’s long throw found Lorent Tolaj whose shot was blocked. Vale then appealed for a handball in the box but were turned down.
Crewe’s first chance saw Long turn Nathan Smith but Jesse Debrah, who had a good half, came in to tackle.
A Vale corner on 12 minutes saw Connor Hall miskick a good chance before a strong run from Ben Garrity saw his cross narrowly evade Tolaj.
However, Crewe came more into the game after the half-hour mark. Holicek sent a drive just wide then Amos pulled off an expert double save before Tom Lowery hit the bar late on.
Half-time: Crewe 0-0 Port Vale
Second-Half
Both sides could have been reduced to ten men before Vale’s Jayden Stockley scored a late winner that could be priceless at the end of the season.
Crewe’s Michael Williams was lucky to only get a yellow when he took a swipe at Nathan Smith’s head on 50 minutes. Then Vale’s Tom Sang only received a booking after jumping in on Lowery.
It was the home side who started the brighter with Billington seeing a drive deflected over. Vale countered with a powerful shot from Sang which was deflected wide.
The home side were enjoying the better chances and Debrah nearly turned in Conway’s cross.
As the game entered the last ten minutes, sub Rico Richards turned in the box but blazed over. Then Vale missed a golden chance when Croasdale’s close range shot was saved by Marshall. Crewe screamed for a penalty after Amos saved at the feet of a forward but moments later it was Vale’s Jayden Stockley who finally found the target. Mitch Clark long throw was flicked on by Debrah and Stockley powered in a close range header for his fifth career goal against Crewe.
Vale held firm despite ten minutes of additional time to take a vital three points back to Burslem.
Full-time: Crewe 0-1 Port Vale
Summary
So, after disappointment on Tuesday, at least Darren Moore picked a strong starting eleven for this game. His formation was much better than the eleven in midweek. It was in many respects a typical affair among local rivals with both sides having chances during what was a typically tight game. Credit to Vale’s often unsung defence who once again kept a clean sheet. It looks increasingly like it’s going to be a dramatic end to the season.
Players
This was a better performance by the Valiants than the Barrow game. There wasn’t any outstanding performer. The defence all put in a shift with Nathan Smith, Connor Hall and particularly Jesse Debrah all impressed. Ben Amos had the odd shaky moment but produced some vital saves. Tolaj, Stockley and Garrity linked up well while youngster Rhys Walters also showed his class. However, for his vital goal, Jayden Stockley was undoubtedly the most important Vale player on the day.
Stats
Starting XI: Amos – Debrah, Smith, Hall – Sang (Shorrock), Croasdale, Walters (Richards), Clark – Garrity – Stockley, Tolaj (Curtis)
Subs: Broome, Harper, Lowe, Hackford
Goals: Stockley (85)
Yellow cards: Clark, Sang
Attendance:
Competition: League Two
What did you think of the game and the performance? Scroll down and submit a comment.
What a response from the Barrow game, keep going lads promotion is in sight. Nothing less than 100% from everyone now including us fans, One Vale 😉
Looks like Mr Moore does read the forum and picked the team suggested with exception of Kyle..Thought it was a typical derby and always looked like 1 goal would nick it. Overall team performance cannot be knocked and lots of character shown after barrow loss. Onto Tuesday for a massive game. Final thought, today was the first time that I have seen real emotion from the manager whilst doing his Jurgen Klopp on the walk of honour he was bouncing before during and after. UTV
Battling performance and 3 good points and clean sheet. Debrah seems to be more confident playing alongside Smith and Hall. His timing in the tackle improving and very sharp and timely. Good lineup today and let’s get rid of the Tuesday night foul ups. Still not sure of manager and his odd lineups at times.
3points and battling performance in what could been a slip up. Debrah seems to be comglfortable alongside Hall and Smith. Seems to be improving positional play and tackling and back 3 pretty solid. Same lineup would be good on Tuesday night but beware the tinker man. Chislett hopefully on the bench on Tuesday but not been divulged what injury he suffered.
Highly entertaining tense battle with the Vale snatching vital points against a very lively Crewe. Grit, determination, and organization from Vale, boosts confidence for the run-in. Stockley’s reaction on the final whistle proved his total commitment to the cause. Moore got his team selection and tactics right this time. Supporters will be relieved with that, and the team’s all-in endeavor.
They gave as good as they got, they actually fought today, fantastic goal to win the game, the 10 minutes of E T went on forever.The Barrow game can serve as a marker, we will be the winners in the end,Amos made some great saves, but I give Debrah man of the match.Mr Moore just stick with your best team.
Plenty of commitment and energy shown by the players all through the game. Amos came to the rescue with several good saves. Stockley deserved his goal after he had covered most of the pitch during the match . More performances like this are needed to keep the push for automatic promotion going.
JUST maybe the penny has dropped with Mr Moore, pick and play your best player in their best position EVERY GAME! We will see? It was the usual tough tight encounter, Crewe do very well on their budget and as usual have one or two tidy players amongst their squad, but as of previous years Vales older more experienced players managed to nick a goal and see the game out. Personally I thought Debrah had his best game for the club, but I do wish he would stop this rolling around banging this fist on the pitch trying to get players sent off. It’s the second time in two games he’s done this now and as I would moan if the opposition did it so I’ll do the same when one of ours does it. And It does make you look a bit of a girls handbag Jesse! Smithy also had a good game, but my man of the match was Croasdale he was all over the place, shame he couldn’t quite get a better connection on the one he missed in the second to put the top hat on his performance. Tolaj seemed to struggle to get into the game, but we are still lumping far too many high balls into the box trying to play the percentage game which doesn’t suit him. Let’s just hope the manager picks a similar team now and until the end of the season and the players can keep the momentum going.