An opener from top-scorer Ben Garrity and a brilliant second by teenager Baylee Dipepa were enough to earn Darren Moore’s side a second successive win and boost their survival hopes.
Team news
Port Vale manager Darren Moore decided to make one change to his starting line-up with Tom Sang coming in place of the injured Conor Grant. There was also the welcome return of Uche Ikpeazu who lined up on the bench alongside England U17 International Baylee Dipepa.
First-half
Top-scorer Ben Garrity’s cool finish divided the teams at the break after a solid first forty five minutes from the Valiants.
The side’s improved confidence was in evidence during a strong opening which saw an early deflected Garrity effort after a good run from Wilson and a header from Wilson saved. There were also chances for Alex Iacovitti, who saw a header from a corner saved and a flick from Wilson which struck the post. There were also appeals for a penalty after an apparent handball in the box.
There were few clearcut chances for the visitors but they still posed problems for the Vale defence at times, especially through the dangerous Sinclair.
Vale appeared to suffer a blow when the influential Wilson limped off but replacement teenager Baylee Dipepa was immediately involved with his pace causing problems for the Rovers defence. There was also a chance for the hard working Ryan Loft whose shot went just wide.
The goal arrived on 42 minutes after great work from Chislett, who won the ball back. He fed Garrity who muscled through the defence and kept his cool to slot the ball into the back of the net. It was due reward for a Vale side who looked much improved and had had the best chances of the first-half.
Half-time: Port Vale 1-0 Bristol Rovers
Second-half
There was an early chance for the visitors with Vale’s pullback miskicked but that only preceded a period of Vale dominance. Ryan Loft went just wide with a header from a corner before a moment of brilliance from sub Baylee Dipepa. The 17 year-old, fresh from two goals on his England U17 debut, oozed confidence as he drifted past several challenges before coolly finishing to put Vale 2-0 up on 51 minutes.
There were further chances for Moore’s men with Chislett sending Dipepa clear only for the Rovers keeper saving. Ryan Loft had another chance but his weak shot was saved. There was also a good chance for the influential Chislett but his weak effort was also saved. There was late pressure from Rovers but with no clear chances as the Vale defence stood firm.
Full-time: Port Vale 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Closing thoughts
This performance just shows what effect confidence can play. Vale looked a different side than previous weeks with the defence keeping their second clean sheet in succession. There were a number of excellent performances – Ethan Chislett was back to his influential best, Ben Garrity and Funso Ojo full of energy and sub Baylee Dipepa had a good game too. The only disappointments will be injuries to Wilson and Garrity. There’s still much to do but this game will have done wonders both for Vale’s confidence and their hopes of evading the drop.
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 – Sang, Ojo, Garrity (Jones), Plant – Chislett (Walters) – Wilson (Dipepa, Massey), Loft (Ikpeazu)
Unused subs: Leutwiler, Weir,
Vale bookings: none
Vale goals: Garrity (42), Dipepa (51)
Attendance: 6,637 (500 visitors)
What a difference a week makes. 2 wins 2 clean sheets. Fans were superb again in backing the boys . Put the effort in and rewards will come. Today’s atmosphere took me back to the start of the season. As I said a week or so ago the great escape is now well and truly on, keep doing what we are doing and we will pick up the points we need. Onto Northampton we go, repeat today and we can get something from that game. Come on Vale!!