The crazy end to Port Vale’s 1933-34 season as the Valiants blow their chances of top-flight football

Oldham Athletic 5-1 Port Vale (Nolan) – 17th March 1934

After a run of three games undefeated, the wheels came off as the Valiants were thrashed by Oldham. The Sentinel report blamed the defence and Scottish goalkeeper Allan Todd in particular saying the stopper “appeared at fault when two of the goals were scored.” The report also pointed out that the defeat badly damaged Vale’s goal difference. The report also noticed that Vale player Jack Blackwell was injured and was “little more than a passenger” in the second-half. The only bright point was the “return to form of Nolan” who, after missing two chances in the previous game, was “easily the outstanding member of the line.”

The League table after the defeat to Oldham.

Port Vale 0-2 Burnley – 24th March 1934

Vale’s woes increased as they then slumped to a poor home defeat against struggling Burnley. The Sentinel was once again critical of the Valiants’ defence saying it was a “game that they should have won easily”. Criticism was aimed at midfielder Billy Tabram  for not tracking back as the newspaper said he “never gave sufficient attention to his defensive work” while in defence “neither Poyser nor Vickers were convincing”. The report also bemoaned the lack of service to Tom Nolan upfront. The newspaper said “it will take something exceptional now to achieve promotion.”

The League table ahead of the Hull game. 

Port Vale 3-0 Hull City (Tom Nolan 3) – 30th March

Vale bounced back from their poor run as top-scorer Tom Nolan netted his second hat-trick of the season to take his tally to 18 goals. This game was the first of three in four days for the Valiants.

Brentford 2-0 Port Vale – 31st March

The next blow to Vale’s chances took place when they lost this six pointer. According to the Sentinel report of the time “in a very even first-half no goals were scored (although Port Vale player) Blackwell hit the Brentford post. Within three minutes of the resumption Vale were two goals behind… (and)  the quick goals decided the issue.”

The League table after the Brentford loss

Hull City 2-1 Port Vale (Blackwell) – 2nd April 1934

The third game in four games also ended in disappointment with Vale losing at mid-table Hull. The only consolation for the Valiants was a third goal of the season for Jack Blackwell.

Vale were slipping further down the table

Port Vale 0-0 Bolton Wanderers – 7th April 1934

Vale’s next match was a creditable draw against third place Bolton but clearly the Vale really needed maximum points from the game. The Sentinel reported that defences were on top which meant “little good football was played.” The newspaper praised Vale for their attacking intent but pointed out they were handicapped by a succession of injuries – to Rhodes, McGrath, Gunn and Poyster – which disrupted them. The Sentinel praised the performances of Fred Mills and Jack Blackwell while it pointed out that Todd, the Vale goalkeeper didn’t have a shot to save.

Manchester United 2-0 Port Vale – 14th April 1934

Port Vale failed to find the target for the second game in a row as they helped Manchester United’s prospects of beating the drop. The Sentinel reported that an injury to Vale’s Billy Tabram, who broke his collarbone overshadowed the game. The Vale were reduced to ten men and struggled to keep the home side in check. However, the paper was disparaging of the contrasting styles accusing Man Utd of “kick and rush” while Vale were “prettier”. Nevertheless, the defeat left Vale’s promotion hopes in dire straits.

Vale were now six points off the promotion spots

Port Vale 4-0 Plymouth Argyle (Mitchenson 3, Nolan) – 21st April 1934

The Sentinel praised what it described as the most “comfortable” win of the season. It said Vale were “never seriously challenged” after Nolan put them in front after five minutes. It praised the return of Jimmy McGrath who “led the opposing defenders a merry dance.” It also praised hat-trick hero Fred Mitchenson for whom the game was a “personal triumph” and “bewildered” the Plymouth defence.

West Ham 1-0 Port Vale – 28th April 1934

The Sentinel was adamant that the Valiants were “distinctly unlucky” to lose this match. Once West Ham had taken the lead, a deluge made the pitch into a “mud heap” and “good football was out of the question.” It also pointed out that Jack Round was denied by a fine save from the Hammers keeper.

Port Vale 3-1 Nottingham Forest (Nolan 3) – 5th May 1934

At least Vale’s season ended on a winning note with the Sentinel pointing out the Valiants gained revenge for a defeat to Forest earlier in the season. The hero was forward Tom Nolan who “was always a danger.” However, the newspaper also pointed out a disappointing crowd of just 2,801 “easily the lowest of the season” and another unconvincing display by goalkeeper Gunn who was “not too sure in his handling.” On the plus side, McGrath and Round both received praise.

The final League table