Walsall 2-3 Port Vale – Tolaj double sends Vale to the top of the table

A breathtaking first-half saw Port Vale come out on top in a five goal thriller as they went top of the table. Here’s our match report.

Team news

Port Vale manager Darren Moore brought back Kyle John in the right wingback role with Mitch Clark switching to the left and youngster Jack Shorrock dropping out. Midfielder George Byers was named on the bench.

First-Half 

An incredible first-half saw five goals scored as the Valiants lead 3-2 at the break.

It was an astonishing start at the Bescot. The home side thought they’d scored after 15 seconds but Matt’s header was ruled out for a foul. Vale then took the lead on three minutes when Lorent Tolaj produced an acrobatic finish from Clark’s long throw. It was the Swiss striker’s tenth of the season.

However, Walsall immediately hit back when Stockley handled in the box and Taylor Allen scored from the spot. The home side then took the lead when Amantchi slotted home on eleven minutes. Just a minute later, Amantchi outpaced Connor Hall and Ben Amos produced a fine save to prevent the third. It was a breathtaking start to the game.

The game continued to be end to end with the midfield area particularly congested. Walsall broke again on 21 minutes but Amos saved Allen’s shot. Vale countered with efforts from Croasdale and John being blocked. By now the breakneck pace had eased a little. There was a blow for the Valiants on 35 minutes when John was forced off and replaced by Hart.

The Valiants then grabbed the equaliser when talisman skipper Ben Garrity thumped it home on 40 minutes for his fifth of the season. There was then late drama on the brink of half-time, when Tolaj was downed in the box and Vale were awarded a penalty. Tolaj stepped up to calmly convert and put Vale ahead at the break. There was then an inadvertent pause as the sprinklers came on prematurely. Perhaps everyone needed to cool down? It was time to take a breath.

Half-time: Walsall 2-3 Port Vale

Second-Half 

The second period was a far less dramatic affair as Vale played out their lead in some comfort as they took all three points to Burslem, making it three wins in a week.

The home side had the first chance but Gordon put it over. Vale were guilty of some sloppy play as they started the half slowly. However, they weathered the early pressure with some comfort. Vale countered as Tolaj put a free-kick over and Clark had a curling effort. As the game reached the hour mark, it was Vale pressing.

It was a less frenetic half and this allowed Vale longer periods of possession although they were not looking that threatening.

Walsall had a chance on 75 minutes but Clark calmly cleared the ball. It prompted a succession of corners which Vale’s defence dealt with. The Valiants countered with Garrity’s 79th minute drive well saved by Hornby. There was another chance on 84 minutes but Croasdale curled it wide. In additional time, sub Antwoine Hackford almost made it four but was tackled in the box.

It was certainly less dramatic as Vale played out the win but you can be sure the Vale fans would not care less. Three points against the old rivals and replacing them at the top of the table is more than enough to celebrate.

Full-time: Walsall 2-3 Port Vale

Summary

So despite the criticism aimed at Darren Moore, he has guided his team back to the top of the table and as real contenders to go up. Critics will probably say promotion should have been guaranteed with the squad he assembled but to give Moore credit, Vale have hit top form just at the right time.

The first-half was so high tempo that it was difficult for either side to have periods of pressure. Vale will be disappointed with how they conceded the goals and the back three struggled at times with Walsall’s pace on the break. However, Vale’s attacking play caused Walsall problems and the Valiants will now look forward to the Bromley game with some confidence.

Players

Lorent Tolaj is turning into an excellent buy for the club. I said earlier in the season that he reminds me a little of Andy Jones with his power and he’s looking a real threat at League Two level right now. It was a game for grafters and the likes of Ben Garrity and Ryan Croasdale excelled in that regard. Tolaj may have got the goals but Croasdale was arguably the man of the match with his energetic display. Meanwhile, the relatively unsung Ben Amos produced several important saves. A good day all round for the Port Vale players.

Stats 

Starting XI: Amos – Debrah, Smith, Hall – John (Hart), Croasdale, Walters (Byers), Clark – Garrity – Tolaj (Hackford), Stockley (Curtis)

Subs: Broome, Shorrock, Richards

Goals: Tolaj (3), Garrity (40), Tolaj (45 pen)

Yellow cards: Tolaj, Hart

Attendance: 8,446 (1,988 visitors)

Competition: League Two

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