Darren Moore’s side put on a good show in front of the TV cameras but were unable to make it a home win after Mitch Clark’s effort was controversially deemed to be offside.
Team news
Team newsDarren Moore made five changes from the team beaten at Rotherham. Midfielders Ryan Croasdale and Funso Ojo both started, Kyle John came into the defence and there was a first start for Liam Gordon on the left. Ronan Curtis partnered Lorent Tolaj upfront. Jayden Stockley, Rhys Walters and Rico Richards were on a strong Vale bench.
First-half
The Valiants made sure there was no repeat of the first-half display at Rotherham as they enjoyed the better chances without managing to find the target.
Jesse Debrah was prominent throughout with the defender getting two opportunities from Ronan Curtis corners. The first came on 19 minutes when Debrah’s goalbound header was blocked. The big defender then headed wide on 36 minutes.
However, the best chance of the half came from a Cardiff defender. An intricate Port Vale move saw the ball delivered into the box and Calum Chambers attempted clearance nearly ended up as an own-goal.
There were further chances for Vale – on 25 minutes another incisive break saw Tolaj’s lovely flick send Curtis clear but his attempted ball across to an unmarked Croasdale was blocked.
It had been a great first-half performance from the Valiants with much of the play coming through Mitch Clark on the right-hand side. The home side had had most of the chances with the visitors wasteful in attack – several crosses drifting out of play.
As the whistle blew for half-time, Vale fans would be hoping that Moore’s men would continue the momentum in the second-half.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-0 Cardiff City
Second-half
There were two moments of controversy in the second-half with the main talking point being Mitch Clark’s disallowed effort on 47 minutes.
Vale had started the second period strongly and when another good move found Clark on the right of the box he drove the ball home only to be flagged as offside. To many fans, the wingback didn’t look to be offside.
Fans’ tempers flared again when there was a bad tackle on Lorent Tolaj on 54 minutes. Joel Bagan looked to go over the ball and with Vale’s Jaheim Headley dismissed on Saturday for a similar challenge there was bemusement when only a yellow was shown.
Like the first-half, Vale had plenty of chances to take the lead but were unable to make any of them count. Ronan Curtis blazed over the bar, Liam Gordon’s shot was saved and Lorent Tolaj fired wide when teammates were better placed.
Cardiff have skilful players and they came into the game with a sustained period of pressure around the 70 minute mark but they didn’t force Vale keeper Marko Marosi into any serious saves. After that spell ended, Vale once again had chances to win it with sub Ben Waine having his effort blocked.
It ended all-square after ninety minutes but this will undoubtedly give Darren Moore’s side confidence as they ended the evening with the bragging rights against much fancied opposition.
Full-time: Port Vale 0-0 Cardiff City
Analysis
The match
For a goalless draw this was an entertaining match – and a controversial one at times. It was good to see Vale put on a good display in front of the TV cameras. If only they had taken one of their numerous chances.
The tactics
Many fans will be pleased to see Darren Moore switch to two upfront and arguably it helped Vale put on the performance they did. The front two – Curtis and Tolaj – were lively, being mostly supplied by passes on the right flank where Mitch Clark gave the Cardiff defence a torrid time. The decision to have two ball-winners – Croasdale and Ojo – also worked with Vale’s midfield outbattling their storied opponents.
The players
Mitch Clark was a deserved man of the match but this was a game where the whole Vale team did well. Liam Gordon was quieter on the left flank but it was good to see Marko Marosi put in a largely error-free performance and a word for Funso Ojo (pictured) who was excellent, particularly in the second-half. Jesse Debrah was also one of the stand-outs but no-one in a white shirt let the side down.
Star man
We’d agree with the sponsors who made Mitch Clark their MOTM.
Food for thought
Stick with the 3-5-2 Darren!
Match stats
Team: Marosi – John, Debrah, Hall – Clark, Croasdale, Byers, Ojo, Gordon (Heneghan) – Tolaj, Curtis (Waine)
Subs: Davies, Shipley, Stockley, Walters, Richards
Yellows: Ojo, Clark, Waine
Reds: none
Goals: none
Attendance: 9,791
Season stats
Your thoughts…
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It was an excellent performance from the Vale, energy levels were through the roof and the majority of players won their individual battles with Mitch Clark outside closely followed by Croasdale. This is the team Moore should have started with on Saturday, play your best players in their best positions and keep a settle teams. Well done everyone!!
Officials were a disgrace, especially the linesman in front of the railway. I’m sure we will play worse and win this season. Take the point and move on. Only thing that troubled me was some of our players looked knackered but we’re kept on, we used only 2 subs to freshen things up whereas Cardiff used all those available! Agree best I’ve seen Ojo play in a long time but again Clark reigned supreme.
What a difference would have won with a different linesman the rules say if you are level you are onside you could not tell without var l know it’s only two games in but it seems this years recruitment has not improved the team only two new players started they only played due to injury and suspension
This was a Vale performance of commitment, ingenuity and high work rate, well deserving of three points. The shape and organization of the team was spot on. Clark’s disallowed goal was very marginal, hardly visible as offside after clever approach work. One point is undeserving for a match day squad that lacked Amos, Gabriel, Headley, Shorrock, Humphreys, Hart, Garrity, and Paton. That Stockley and the excellent Walters were held in reserve on the bench indicates the strength of Moore’s squad. He just has to maintain consistency, and push on with his 352 formula. Based on last night’s performance, he team is a competitive unit.
Great performance every player ps whats happened to Jack Sharrock ? UTV
OH NO BACK TO FREES AND LOANS HAVE THEY NOT LEARNED THEIR LESSON