Substitute Antwoine Hackford was on the mark again as Vale’s excellent run of form saw them record their second successive away win. It was a victory that took the side to the top of the League Two table.
Team news
Team newsManager Darren Moore brought Ben Heneghan and Jayden Stockley into his line-up replacing the injured Kyle John and Ruari Paton. 17 year-old Jack Shorrock was selected as left wingback again. A strong bench contained Ethan Chislett, Paton, Rico Richards and Tom Sang.
First-half
It was all-square at the break but Port Vale rode their luck after the home side had two efforts ruled out.
The Valiants kicked off and had the first chance in the opening minutes when Tolaj fired wide after good work from Garrity. The home side then started to press and Shorrock performed an excellent saving tackle in the box to prevent one attack. Vale countered with a twelfth minute corner routine which saw Shorrock’s low drive saved. Vale went even closer minutes later when Curtis put a low ball into the box but no-one could convert.
The home side countered when Nemane turned in the box and forced a fine save out of Ripley. Milton Keynes then thought they’d taken the lead but Leigh was flagged offside after hitting the net with his 21st minute effort. The home side had the next attempt on goal but Heneghan did well to clear Nemane’s dangerous cross. The home side were denied again on 28 minutes when Leigh found the net for a second time but he was deemed to have used his arm.
Vale weathered the pressure but Curtis wasted one opportunity when blazed over while Tolaj lost control after weaving into the box on 38 minutes. The best Vale chance of the half came on 41 minutes and saw Croasdale, who had impressed through the half, feed Curtis but his effort was saved. Moments later, another good Vale move saw Tolaj have a deflected effort saved. It was a good period of pressure from the visitors as the half drew to a close.
Half-time: MK Dons 0-0 Port Vale
Second-half
Sub Antwoine Hackford scored a late winner as the Valiants recorded another excellent away win.
Vale had the first chance of the half when Connor Hall blasted the ball just wide after a period of pressure. Another good Vale move saw a weak, deflected effort from Garrity saved. There were a number of attacks from the home side too, but Ripley and the back-line coped comfortably.
It was a quieter start to the second period with both sides largely cancelling each other out.
However, another attack by Vale saw Tolaj initially air-kick before his follow-up shot prompted a good save. From the resulting corner, Curtis’ shot was saved and another chance for Vale saw Croasdale hit the side netting. With the game past the hour mark, it was now Vale who looked the more likely to score.
The home side brought former Vale striker Ellis Harrison on after 66 minutes while Vale brought on Antwoine Hackford and Tom Sang. It was Sang’s free-kick which produced the next chance which Hall headed over. There had been few chances for the home side but on one break Kelly hit the side netting.
Jack Shorrock was criticised last week but he played a huge role in the moment of the match. His superb curling cross was met by the boot of sub Antwoine Hackford for his second goal in Vale colours. It came in the 77th minute but was fitting reward for all the preceding Vale pressure that half. Hackford nearly scored a second on 81 minutes as he surged clear but the MK Dons keeper saved with his leg.
The Valiants were then grateful to goalkeeper Ripley who pulled off a fine save to deny Tomlinson from close range on 86 minutes. There was another chance for Hackford who broke clear again on 90 minutes but the keeper cleared. Despite some late pressure by Milton Keynes Vale stayed firm to take all three points back to Burslem.
Full-time: MK Dons 0-1 Port Vale
Attendance: 6,855 (1,050 visitors)
Final thoughts
Match: Manager of the month curse? What manager of the month curse? This was another excellent away display by the Valiants. They created several decent chances, had some entertaining play and despite the two disallowed goals, looked resilient at the back. Considering the side were missing three left wingbacks and a midfield playmaker, this was a cracking result. This is still a squad that has more to come and it all looks good for a serious promotion challenge this season.
Players: Ryan Croasdale may be regarded as a ball-winner, but his all-round play on Saturday was excellent as he produced good crosses as well as some good runs into the box. Jayden Stockley caused the home defence continual problems while Ronan Curtis produced some intelligent balls. The back three of Heneghan, Hall and Debrah also deserve praise for solid play while Ripley put on another faultless display. It would of course be remiss not to mention the contributions of 17 year-old Jack Shorrock who provided the assist and young loanee Antwoine Hackford who provided the winning touch.
Star man: Ryan Croasdale
Port Vale line-up and stats
Starting XI: Ripley – Debrah, Heneghan, Hall – Cover (Sang), Croasdale (Lowe), Garrity, Shorrock – Tolaj (Hackford), Stockley, Curtis (Richards)
Subs: Amos, Chislett, Paton
Bookings: Debrah, Richards
Goals: Hackford (77)
What did you think of the match? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.
Two good wins away against two teams expected to be in for promotion so we’ll done to everyone long way to go but we must have a chance been a long time since we sat top of the league nice feeling
Shaky start but as game progressed a lot more comfortable. All round good team performance. Shorrocks cross for goal on a 50p piece. Should have been more 2 late 1 on 1 missed by hackford but ,hey he got the winner. Darren is surpassing my expectations and long may it continue.
Excellent 3 points and top of the table. We may not be scoring a lot of goals but we are looking solid at the back even with a number of defenders injured. To take over a thousand to MK is a testament to our very loyal supporters . Keep going guys the sky’s the limit.
Absolute pleasure to see the Vale top of League 2, albeit after only 11 games. But, the league is so tight with just 5 points separating the top eleven teams. Squad depth and competing for starting places proving to be so important. Even without the injured Clark, Hart, John, Grant, and Byers, the skillful Chislett and Paton find themselves benched. Highly experienced CB Nathan Smith still out of the match day 18.
A great 3 points, we were a bit shaky at times but overcame that.The Dons reminded me of us last season and the beginning of this, in fact it was confusing as we played in their colours and the Dons in ours.Shorrock you pass was world class, Hackford, I thought it was going to be one of those games that they were going to sneak a win,at the death,what a goal, I’m proud to know you Vale Ripley you are learning.This was a team win.
Both the last two games have been very similar, Vale set their stall out by sitting deep and leaving one up front, then getting forward as quickly as possible to support him. While we seem happy to let the opposition have the majority of possession and we do at times ride our luck. We did make a few more chances at MK than we did at Notts, possibly because Notts were a better team and had an outstanding number 7 who ran the game. As both games have progressed and the opposition has pushed forward more or tired, Vale have had more and more opportunities to secure the points. With a little more quality in the final third either with the final ball, or final shot or header, and both games could have been put to bed earlier. While the quality may be missing at times, the commitment, work rate and outstanding togetherness and will to win is a joy to see especially after the struggles of the last couple of seasons.