Bristol Rovers 1-0 Port Vale match report – the home side probably deserved to win this one but the winning goal itself was mired in controversy as Vale suffered late disappointment at the Memorial ground.
Darrell Clarke made two changes to his side bringing back Rovers old boy Ellis Harrison to replace Gavin Massey and introducing Dennis Politic in place of Dan Butterworth.
On Clarke’s old stomping ground, Vale started the stronger and as early as the first minute, Politic was sent clear by Harrison only to have his shot blocked. There were two further chances for the Valiants in the opening quarter of an hour – a great ball by Wilson sent Harrison clear but his effort was well saved while Wilson himself had a point-blank shot saved.
However, after that explosive opening, the home side came back into the game strongly and their pressing game frequently broke up Vale’s play. Jack Stevens had to palm away an effort after a Dan Jones error while shots from Collins and Coutts both went narrowly wide.
Stevens was pressed into action again with a good save from a Coburn shot, while Ellis Harrison completely miscued a late Vale effort.
Overall, things being even at half-time was probably fair – Vale had done well in the opening fifteen minutes but the home side had come back well and the hard-working Coburn had caused Jones, in particular, some nervous moments.
Half-time: Bristol Rovers 0-0 Port Vale
The second-half began with the home side largely in control. A good challenge by David Worrall prevented Gordon having a good chance in the box while Coburn forced another good save from Stevens. Meanwhile, good play from Harrison sent Politic clear but his shot was blocked.
There were appeals for a penalty by the home side after one goalmouth scramble but Vale’s defence was largely holding firm as the home side pressed.
Great play by Nathan Smith prevented Rovers taking the lead on 77 minutes. Coburn’s shot was palmed out by Stevens and Smith was on hand to block Sinclair’s effort when it looked like he would score.
Vale nearly snatched a winner on 83 minutes when the ball found Conlon on the edge of the box but his stinging effort was well saved. Instead, it was the home team who snatched the lead with just four minutes remaining. Aaron Collins appeared to push sub Will Forrester over, but the referee didn’t call a foul and Collins was able to slot the ball past Stevens. Despite the controversy about the winning effort, Rovers probably just about deserved their lead, especially for their second-half pressure.
The Valiants tried to rally but a late Dan Butterworth drive went wide and with that, the Vale left Bristol empty-handed.
Full-time: Bristol Rovers 1-0 Port Vale
Match stats and Port Vale player ratings
Ratings key: Great / Good / Steady / Mixed Bag / Poor
Starting eleven ratings:
- Stevens – Good: his distribution was patchy at times but made some decent saves
- Smith – Good: our Vale man of the match, put his body on the line numerous times
- Jones – Mixed bag: after his good run of form, he had some shaky moments in this game. Forced off injured late on
- Hall – Steady: nothing eye catching, but reasonably solid with one excellent second-half forward run
- Worrall – Steady: didn’t see a lot of the ball in forward positions but did the defensive work well
- Conlon – Good: a battling performance and some quality balls from the skipper
- Garrity – Steady: linked up well with Conlon and there was even one of his trademark forward runs
- Benning – Steady: was a steady presence on the flank and pushed forward whenever he could
- Politic – Mixed bag: not quite on the pace of the game but had some lovely moments of quality
- Wilson – Mixed bag: like Dennis, not quite on the pace of the game but had some lovely moments of quality
- Harrison – Good: battled hard and good in the air. He tired on his return as the game wore on
Sub ratings:
- Gavin Massey – Steady: showed a turn of pace and some nice touches
- Mipu Odubeko – Mixed bag: not in the game but still managed to have a couple of good opportunities which he spurned
- Dan Butterworth – Steady: two delightful pieces of skill and a late effort on goal. Booked after reacting to a poor ref decision
- Will Forrester – Steady: I felt it was unfair to blame him for the goal when there was a clear push on him
Unused subs:
- Lewis Cass, Tom Pett, Rory Holden
Port Vale bookings:
- Dan Butterworth, Dennis Politic
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