Por Vale 2-2 Wolves U21 (5-4 pens) – first goals for Tolaj and Curtis as Vale win penalty shootout

Darren Moore’s side made hard work of it as they had to rely on a last-minute equaliser and a penalty shootout to see off a talented Wolves U21 side in the Football League Trophy.

Team news

Darren Moore rang the changes but still named a strong line-up for this clash. Defender Nathan Smith made his first start of the season, George Byers started and was named captain while Ethan Chislett, Benicio and Jayden Stockley all started. Loanees Rico Richards and Antwoine Hackett were on the bench.

First-half

If Vale were looking for a response to recent poor League results, they were not to get it in the opening 45 minutes of this game.

The Valiants had a multitude of chances in the opening 25 minutes with loanee Benicio orchestrating many of the team’s best moments with some tricky footwork. There were several chances for Jayden Stockley including a header that went wide on 22 minutes. Ethan Chislett also had another effort while Ronan Curtis failed to control the ball for another good opportunity.

However, Vale were to rue all those missed chances when Wolves took the lead with a well-worked goal. Tom Edozie got the better of Jesse Debrah on 26 minutes and his powerful shot gave Amos no chance. The Valiants countered with dangerman Benicio shooting just wide. However, as the half-time whistle blew there was disappointment with Benicio feeding Curtisonly for the ball to go just wide and Vale more than matched by Wolves youngsters.

Half-time: Port Vale 0-1 Wolves U21

Second-half

First Vale goals from Lorent Tolaj and Ronan Curtis saw Vale scramble a goal – although they left it late in normal time.

Darren Moore made changes brining on loanees Rico Richards and Antwoine Hackford but Vale were frustrated as they initially could not get back on level terms.

However, eventually a header from Nathan Smith came into the path of Lorent Tolaj and he finished with a powerful half-volley to make it 1-1 on the hour mark.

However, Vale were rocked late on when Holman was afforded space on the edge of the box and his excellent shot gave Amos no chance. It looked like a shock defeat but James Plant embarked on a run, his cross was met by Richards who collided with the keeper and the ball rebounded for Curtis to net from close range. That was enough to take it to a penalty shootout.

Full-time: Port Vale 2-2 Wolves U21

In the shootout, both sides were spot on (pardon the pun) with their opening attempts with the first error coming from Whittingham for Wolves with Amos pulling off the save. The Valiants had a chance to win it but Lowe’s spot-kick was saved. Amos came to the rescue by saving the next shot by Farmer and this time James Plant made no mistake to earn Vale the bonus point.

Penalties: Port Vale 5-4 Wolves

Vale spot-kick takers: Tolaj (scored), Curtis (scored), Sang (scored), Richards (scored), Lowe (missed) and Plant (scored)

Final thoughts:

This was another disjointed performance where the much changed Vale team too often looked like a team of individuals rather than a side playing together. It’s surprising that Darren Moore started with just Stockley upfront against a team of under-21s. The defensive issues that have plagued Vale all last season and re-emerged in recent games were also present as the Valiants were guilty of sloppy play at the back at times. There were some encouraging signs but there’s also still plenty to do – both in terms of what is Darren Moore’s best starting eleven and formation.

Pick of the players: Loanee Benicio was, by some distance, the best player of the first-half. The goals for Tolaj and Curtis will do them good while youngster James Plant put in a decent shift on the wing and capped off the night with the winning spot-kick.

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