Port Vale’s latest spell in League One ended in a goalles bore draw against Cambridge United on Saturday lunchtime. Here’s our match report…
Team news
Manager Darren Moore started with three youngsters in Jack Shorrock, Rhys Walters and Baylee Dipepa while youth teamers Andrew Buah and Karl Agnero were on the bench. Mitch Clark also returned to the bench. Former Valiant James Gibbons started for the visitors.
First-half
Any Vale fans hoping for an immediate bounce back after relegation would be disappointed as the first-half was a cagey affair largely devoid of chances and atmosphere.
It was an evenly matched affair for the opening twenty minutes albeit one with no clearcut chances. However, there was a blow for Vale when Rhys Walters, who had looked bright, limped off and was replaced by Funso Ojo.
The first Vale attempt on target was a weak effort from Chislett on 26 minutes. There was then a spat as former Valiant James Gibbons was booked for a late challenge on Uche Ikpeazu.
Both sides had chances in the latter stages of the half. Macauley Bonne had a header saved by Ripley while Chislett’s close-range effort was also saved.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Cambridge Utd
Second-half
It was largely the same fare as the first-half. Vale did have two early chances. There was a weak shot from Ikpeazu and then the forward missed Vale’s best chance when he somehow failed to head home Chislett’s cross when unmarked.
It took a while for the next chance which fell to Cambridge with Smith blocking the cross-shot on 66 minutes. The visitors had gained control of the midfield which resulted in a number of half-chances which the Vale defence dealt with. There were also strong claims for a penalty following a Nathan Smith challenge but the referee decided it was a free-kick instead. Andrew’s attempt was comfortably saved by Ripley.
Vale countered with a chance for Shorrock on 76 minutes but he mishit his shot. There was also a penalty shout from Vale when Shorrock’s cross looked to strike an arm.
There was at least a break in the tedium as youngster Andrew Buah made his League debut alongside Mitch Clark, who returned from injury. Vale had another chance with Iacovitti’s header from Shorrock’s free-kick saved. But that was the end of the chances as, much like Vale’s season, the game ended in disappointment.
Full-time: Port Vale 0-0 Cambridge Utd
Closing thoughts
There were glimpses of both future and past in this game. Future – appearances for a crop of teenagers who will have benefitted from the experience. Past – with the same old Vale failings in evidence: toothless upfront, too slow in the build-up and a side largely devoid of confidence. With things now concluded on the pitch, fans will look forward and hope for a huge rebuilding job in the summer. The first of those things will be the retained list which is expected to be announced next week.
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 – Weir (Clark), Walters (Ojo), Garrity, Shorrock – Chislett (Buah) – Ikpeazu (Lowe), Dipepa
Unused subs: Leutwiler, Lopata, Agnero
Vale bookings: Weir, Smith
Vale goals: none
Attendance: 6,378 (1,066 visitors)
While we played badly throughout the season there have been times when we just haven’t had the luck. I can’t remember a season when we’ve conceded so many deflected goals. Goalie Ripley has been left exposed numerous times through shots taking wicked deflections. When your luck is out it’s out. This must be a record for the most deflections in a season.
As a Vale fan for 56 years I can honestly say that I feel deeply concerned for the future of my club.A seismic change is needed in recruiting more professional and dedicated players,instead of the dross they have now
Sorry Carol, the overwhelming blame is at your doorstep, however I am a Vale fan from the 1950s I think I can get over “YOUR STUPIDITY”, and start again, you really have have caused some pain, Yes I WILL try again with, the VALE I love, BUT ,I expect you to go at least 10 steps further to make up for your stupidity not mistakes but stupidity, UTV.
I await with interest to see the retained list as the football presented this season has been woeful defensively weak with repeated mistakes and no forwards of any quality with the exception of the young players coming through and having to develop quicker than should be expected. The policy of loan players only works if there parent clubs commit for the season. The majority of supporters can’t be wrong when we reflect that only 2 or 3 players are worthy of the shirt. Please give us some positivity for next season.
I have also been a vale fan since 1954 and in other years in which we have been relegated there was always been a feeling that when you looked at the players who you had you would think that with a few signings we will come back but that is not there you look and think we are going to struggle and it’s all because they gave recruitment to Flitcrofts team so let’s hope we can put it right saying that I will always support the Vale even if we end up in the National League
Among several factors, the club’s home record has sent the Vale down. It’s an annoying and sobering thought that just two extra home wins would have saved the club from relegation. To that extent, it’s surprising and very disappointing that Moore couldn’t save the club in the 15 matches he had available. He’s had the opportunity to do better.