Ryan Loft – one of the most criticised strikers in Port Vale’s recent history – scored what could be a crucial winner as the Valiants picked up three points at Burton in a game which could massively boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Team news
Darren Moore made five changes as he reverted to a back three. In came Alex Iacovitti, Conor Grant, James Plant, Than Chislett and Ryan Loft. It meant a back three of Debrah, Smith and Iacovitti, Plant and Grant wide of Ojo and Garrity with Chislett just behind a front pairing of Wilson and Loft.
First-half
In blustery conditions, Port Vale spurned several excellent chances to put themselves into the lead.
It took ten minutes for a game of generally low quality to settle. Both sides then had opening chances with Wilson played in by Chislett but shooting into the side netting, then Burton having two chances for Helm and an an unmarked Bennet who both failed to find the target.
As the game reached 25 minutes, Vale then had a hat-trick of opportunities to score. The best fell to Ryan Loft who was sent clean through but sent his shot wide. A corner was then met by the head of Nathan Smith whose effort was palmed over while Alex Iacovitti completely miskicked when a dangerous Conor Grant free-kick found him with the goal at his mercy.
Burton were still dangerous on the break and Vale were grateful for a good saving tackle from Plant which halted one opportunity. However, there was yet another chance for Vale when Chislett miskicked in the box. It immediately brought a response from Burton with Ripley saving well from Helm. There was late pressure from the home side but it ended goalless at the break.
Half-time: Burton Albion 0-0 Port Vale
Second-half
The first chance of the half fell to Burton after chaos in the Vale box with a shot going inches wide. However, Vale then had a good period of pressure which saw an Ojo shot go wide, then Loft met Plant’s cross with a header but it was blocked on the line. A 60th minute free-kick from Tom Sang was tipped over and a shot from Garrity hit the post.
Vale were looking the more likely to score but the home side were still looking dangerous on the break. A good Vale move saw Plant find Loft but his close-range header was blocked. Another move saw Chislett’s cross fail to find a Vale player with the goal gaping. It was good pressure from Vale but once again the side were unable to convert the chances.
However, the Vale finally did find the net when they broke through Loft. He crossed to Chislett whose shot hit the post only for Ryan Loft – the much maligned striker – to fire in the rebound to the delight of his team mates. It put Vale ahead with five minutes to play.
There were six minutes of added time for Vale to see out and despite the odd scary moment, the team stayed firm to hold on for what could be an absolutely vital three points.
Full-time: Burton Albion 0-1 Port Vale
Closing thoughts
So, it’s been another dramatic week for the Valiants. We’ve seen the much anticipated departure of director of football David Flitcroft and the rarest of things, a League goal for Ryan Loft. And to be fair to the striker, it was richly deserved after he put in a performance full of character and determination. While the Loft goal may grab the headlines, it’s also worth noting that the much maligned Port Vale defence kept a clean sheet, despite much pressure from the home side.
But let’s leave the technical and tactical analysis to one side shall we and just bask in Vale finally, finally picking up three points. It should give everyone at the club a massive boost.
Please note the following stats components may take a little while to update after the final whistle
Match stats
Port Vale: Ripley – Debrah, Smith, Iacovitti – Plant, Ojo, Garrity, Grant (Sang) – Chislett – Wilson (Massey), Loft
Unused subs: Leutwiler, Walters, Lowe, Lopata, Weir
Vale bookings: none
Vale goals: Ryan Loft (83)
Attendance: 3,757
Well I have watched a Port Vale side , with passion, pride and loads of bottle and determination, they al played their part, I think the gloom has gone for ever,never to return, I hope, Vale would of beaten anybody today.Bring on Bristol Rovers now. Come on Vale,the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel, congratulations to Darren Moore on your first Vale win. UTV.
Well the boys did put a shift in today and got their just rewards. I’m so pleased for Loft as despite missing 1 on 1 in first half he had the composure to pick out Chizzyy and to keep moving forward and score after ball hit post from Chizzy shot. He never stopped running and yes I have knocked his performances but today he was superb and kept trying even after missing the chance earlier in game. Let’s keep the same attitude and performance to Bristol next week and we will get our rewards.Come on Vale, the great escape is on.
Massive result and now onwards and upwards pleased for Lofty and looking forward to Northampton at Vale Park. Keep the faith.
I hope its not too little too late . The much criticised Ryan Loft had a good game and played the Target role well after Wilson went off . Let’s hope he can build on his Performance and Goal .
Well done lads, all of you put a shift in today. Well done Lofty, onward & upward now lads. Not forgetting the boss Well done.
What a confidence boosting result. The starting line up seemed to have a better shape with players in the right positions. Supporters will hope that Loft’s long overdue goal coincides with a real fight back to stop what seemed like inevitable relegation. All of a sudden there’s light, where there was none. Sounds almost biblical, but perhaps some prayers have been answered !
Really proud of the boys today. Lofty never stopped, also thought Plant had a great game.
Just what was needed glad Ryan Loft got a goal must give him a boost and hopefully it may be the turning point for him and the team great to see Baylee scores again for England give him a start Friday we’ll done Vale
I woke up this morning I rushed to yesterdays results YEP WE, WON ,WE WON, I don’t want to pick a man of the match, so I pick the team called PORT VALE, and it’s FANtastic supporters who never gave in, we are lucky to have you, now let’s get behind the owner and the manager,and show them what PORT VALE FC is really about.UTV
I never thought we would win again, so the result was very pleasing, and gives us that little bit of hope. For the first time in many weeks everyone turned up and everyone won their personal battles. It wasn’t pretty, in fact at times it resembled a Sunday morning parks game. The pitch wasn’t the best and the strong wind made conditions largely impossible to play decent football which may have suited the Vale, but more importantly, we won and hopefully we can build on that. As most fans, I’m over the moon for Loft, he’s had to run the gauntlet of the fans for several games but has never stopped running and finally got his reward against Burton. Smith to me also had his best game in a while, it was a game with its conditions Smith would relish and did. Lacovitti added a gritty and aggressive attitude we’ve also been missing. One win against a poor Burton team means nothing unless we can capitalise on the confidence winning performance, but we now have to go on and beat 3 or 4 teams much better than Burton to retain our league 1 status. No matter which league Vale kick off in next season financial investment is needed in the playing squad, whether that comes through Carol or new investors.
Great result and good on yoy Lofty. Bring on Friday Nd Bristol Rovers.
Great result and pleased for Lofty. Bring on Bristol Rovers on Friday.