Port Vale scored three goals as they eased to a much needed home win over MK Dons. Here’s our match report.
Team news
Darren Moore made some surprising team choices. George Byers was recalled in place of the consistent Ryan Croasdale, Nathan Smith dropped out with Ben Heneghan coming in and Ronan Curtis replaced Ethan Chislett. Meanwhile, Jayden Stockley partnered Lorent Tolaj upfront. Skipper Ben Garrity was on the bench.
First-Half
Striker Lorent Tolaj’s ninth goal of the season sparked the Valiants into life as they came to life in the second part of the opening forty five minutes.
Until the 26th minute goal the two sides had largely cancelled each other out. Vale had had some half-chances for Jayden Stockley who had seen a couple of headers saved while George Byers wasted a promising free-kick. The visitors were restricted to a chance for White which he curled over.
The goal came after Tolaj robbed Lawrence and ran through to calmly finish past the keeper. It heralded a brief purple patch for Vale which saw another Tolaj effort saved and a low cross by Curtis evading everyone. Curtis then blazed over from Stockley’s knockdown.
There was a lull before Vale pushed again. A throw from Clark saw an overhead attempt by Stockley before Byers surged into the box and had a shot saved. Moments later, Curtis headed another Clark throw but it was saved. Vale broke once again but Tolaj’s fierce shot was deflected. The visitors then had a rare chance which they almost capitalised on – Maguire’s header glancing the top of the bar.
At the interval, despite that slow start Vale were well on top and arguably should have been further ahead.
Half-time: Port Vale 1-0 MK Dons
Second-Half
An early goal and a late third from sub Ben Garrity saw Vale secure what turned out to be a fairly comfortable home victory.
The second-half started with chances for both sides before Vale stretched their lead. Orsi’s shot was saved as was Tolaj’s before Vale took control. They doubled their lead when Curtis’ low cross appeared to be either prodded home by Stockley/deflected past the keeper by a defender on 52 minutes.
It was almost three on 57 minutes but Tolaj’s effort was blocked. From the corner the ball was clawed off the line. The game then drifted for a while although the return of captain Ben Garrity pleased the home fans.
It was Garrity who capped the win as he was sent clear by Curtis in additional time and his clever chip saw Vale win 3-0.
Fans will now be hoping the side can string a run of similar results together.
Full-time: Port Vale 3-0 MK Dons
Summary
It’s perhaps unusual to focus on the opposition but MK Dons looked a poor outfit and particularly brittle at the back. However, Vale can only beat what is front of them and a win is a win. I was somewhat surprised by the team changes made and wondered if Vale would suffer – but credit to Darren Moore, they worked in the main. This win probably eases some of the pressure on the manager but there are still things to be addressed – for instance, star signing Byers isn’t really influencing games and a more clinical side may have hammered the Dons today. However, with three goals scored and a clean sheet – it was a good day at the office for Darren Moore’s men.
Players
Once again the lively Lorent Tolaj was arguably Vale’s best player. Other players impressed in patches – Curtis, Clark, John and Walters all having their moments. The goalkeeper and defence had a relatively easy day as the visitors failed to create much pressure in the Vale box. It was good to see Jayden Stockley back although understandably he wasn’t as influential as before as he feels his way back from injury. George Byers also had a quiet game overall.
However, it will probably be the return of skipper Ben Garrity that will be the most welcome news for Vale fans. He showed his worth in the closing stages with a well worked third goal.
Stats
Starting XI: Amos – Debrah, Heneghan, Hall – John, Byers, Walters (Croasdale), Clark – Curtis – Stockley (Omolu), Tolaj (Garrity)
Subs: Broome, Shorrock, Hackford, Richards
Goals: Tolaj (26), own-goal (52), Garrity (98)
Yellow cards: none
Attendance:
Competition: League Two
What did you think of the game and the performance? Scroll down and submit a comment.
Thank you 3-0 and Garrity back with a BANG! I even enjoyed Mr Moore’s interview on the wireless
3points and goal difference improved. 2 more home games to come and let’s turn the screw and put opposition to the sword. Byers still not everyone’s cup of tea and strolls about and doesn’t impose on games. Max points from next 2 games and we are right in the mixer. Let’s keep the faith. UTV.
This was a much needed win and the whole team including the coaching and management deserve credit. Both Curtis and Tolaj worked extremely hard and were instrumental in Vale’s victory. We need to replicate this in the next two home games and get maximum points before we go to the Crewe cauldron. Keep it going Vale.
Hallelujah, hallelujah hallelujah, Hallelujah, hallelujah hallelujah! That’s alls I wanted Mr Moore, an attacking formation, dictate the pace and play and on the front foot from the off. It’s just so much more positive. If we’d played like this for the last eight months instead of the dross Moore has been turning out, we could easily have had another 10 points on the board. For some reason we’ve had to endure this slow tedious playing out from the back rubbish (similar to what MK were playing) but how refreshing was that. Really don’t understand Smith and Chislett being sent to the naughty step, and I really don’t understand how Moore has kept the players onboard with his mood changes towards certain players. I’ve always said we have a squad good enough to walk out of this league and Moore needs to allow the players to continue to play with this freedom. I’m hoping Moore doesn’t continue to favour certain players (I.e. Byers) when there are more deserving players who should be in the side. Disappointed with the needless substitutions again as it did take the wind out of our sail and Garrity could have had another week to regain his full fitness without taking chances. At least it does give you something to look forward to if we are going play like this in future instead of a slow walk to the game not really bothered if you get there for the kickoff or not.
The team needed freshening up after the mid week defeat, and Moore chose the right team and tactics to deliver three points. Garrity’s goal scoring return was an added bonus. There’s a clear opportunity now for a fitter and fuller Vale squad to impact the promotion places in the remaining 10 games. MK Dons weren’t strong opposition. They’re in transition without a permanent manager, and low on confidence, in fact just the opponents Vale needed to boost the promotion challenge. Stockley and Garrity’s presence makes a big difference, with the team’s shape and movement more assured. It’s to be hoped that Smith’s surprise absence isn’t long lasting.
3 points and goal difference improved which could be crucial at end of season. Good to see our skipper back and there must be a place for Chislett instead of Byers. It’s obvious that the manager as got something against Chizzy who is a good tactician where Byers is about as mobile as a tortoise. Keep the faith and look forward to next game.
I will back up Ken from North Wales.
Great win in the end but looked 2nd best at times.
Were Smith and Chislet injured or just not in DMs old pals act?
Byers is poor, very negative and weak.
Croasdale, another DM mate runs around well for a 30+ someone but his distribution is poor.