Port Vale were grateful for a superb goalkeeping performance by Connor Ripley as they held on for a point after a goalless draw against Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening.
Team news
Manager Darren Moore brought Nottingham Forest loanee Alex Mighten and experienced midfielder Jason Lowe into his starting eleven. Striker Ryan Loft was fit enough to make the bench.
First-half
Yet again there was a nervy Vale start with Jesse Debrah nearly heading over Connor Ripley but unlike previous games they didn’t concede on this occasion. Vale countered with a shot on target from Massey which was saved.
It was a better opening passage of play by the Valiants in that they didn’t concede but it was still a performance riddled with mistakes by a nervy looking Port Vale side. However, there were also chances with Debrah heading over from a free-kick when well placed. There was an even better chance for James Wilson who blazed Massey’s cross over when he should have scored. It came during a good passage of play for the Valiants.
The home side threatened with a good passage of play of their own. Firstly there was a long-range effort from Hunt, while there were loud appeals for a penalty when Jones challenged Forde in the box. However, the referee waved play on when it looked like a foul by the Port Vale defender. Orient went even closer when Forde’s shot grazed the post after more hesitation in the Vale defence.
So, it was goalless at the break while was at least an improvement on previous matches. It had been a nervous display at the back for the visitors and they had ridden their luck at time but on the positive side, they had created a couple of decent chances.
Half-time: Leyton Orient 0-0 Port Vale
Second-half
Orient started brightly and Ripley made a smart save from close range to deny Forde. The Valiants countered with an effort by Mighten which was saved. There was another chance for Vale, which again came from the lively Massey, but Garrity miscontrolled. Meanwhile, the home side had another penalty shout turned down.
It then turned into the Connor Ripley show as the Vale keeper denied the home side. Firstly, Ripley punched the ball clear with Piggott, in an unmarked position, about to power it into the net. The home side then had another chance as Debrah slipped but Ripley again came to the rescue. The Vale keeper then made the save of the game on 75 minutes as he palmed Forde’s shot over. However, Ripley was then helpless when Sotiriou was sent clear but his shot rattled the bar.
After all that pressure, Vale nearly snatched it late on with Weir finding fellow sub Chislett but his close range shot was deflected wide. Four minutes of added time were played out as it finished goalless on the night.
This is clearly a Port Vale team lacking both quality and confidence, but they at least tried to have a go at times and also showed some much needed grit to hold on for a point. It may still come too late to save the side’s season but this was a much needed improved display and result by the team.
Full-time: Leyton Orient 0-0 Port Vale
Closing thoughts
Players – Gavin Massey, playing in a more advanced position on the flank, had one of his better games for Vale creating a number of chances. It was therefore a surprise when he was subbed on 68 minutes. However, our man of the match was Connor Ripley who had an excellent game in goal. Ripley apart, the rest of the Port Vale defence was a bundle of nerves at times with Debrah and Jones particularly culpable.
Entertainment – the Valiants at least created chances during this game but it was ninety minutes largely devoid of quality and Vale certainly rode their luck with the penalty decisions and Ripley’s string of saves.
Overall – if it wasn’t for the recent awful run of form, a point at Orient would be a decent result but with Vale needing points and quick, it will probably be a source of regret that Vale couldn’t somehow snatch a win. Nevertheless, this was definitely an improvement over recent results.
Please note the following stats components may take a little while to update after the final whistle
Match stats
Port Vale: Ripley – Smith, Debrah, Jones – Sang, Ojo, Lowe, Massey (Dipepa) – Garrity, Wilson (Chislett), Mighten (Weir)
Unused subs: Leutwiler, Walters, Plant, Lopata
Vale bookings: Smith
Vale goals: none
Attendance: TBC
Good match report. It’s surprising that the highly experienced Jason Lowe doesn’t occupy one of the crucial central defensive positions, with perhaps Walters or Plant taking a midfield role. Personally I prefer a straight back four, but squad limitations make that a problem.
We were lucky to get a point and so were Leyton, the lad Mighten impressed me, I hope he did not get injured when he collided with the advertising boards, they all gave that little bit extra and had more confidence.I also hope Garrity is not injured, Proud of the way you kept fighting Vale.
Didn’t watch it but listened to it sounded like it was a better performance had a bit of luck when needed it shame Wilson didn’t score and thought Massey should have stayed on playing in his proper position as a winger and sounded like a goal was going to come from his play but good point maybe the turning point