Port Vale 4-1 Leeds Utd U21 – Paton impresses as Port Vale finally hit the goal trail

Port Vale scored more than one goal in a game at the ninth time of asking as they swept aside Leeds U21. Here’s our match report.

First-half

Striker Ruari Paton netted his first goal of the season and Jack Shorrock another as the Valiants came from behind to lead at the break.

However, the home side were wasteful in front of goal as they failed to punish a hesitant Leeds defence. Ben Waine could have put Darren Moore’s side ahead as early as the first minute but he produced a weak shot after Paton had played him in. Waine was to have a wasteful half as he headed wide on 16 minutes and also had several other attempts saved.

It was a different story for the visitors who scored from their first chance after 11 minutes. The luckless Waine lost the ball and it found McDonald whose shot evaded Marosi.

Waine’s forward partners were having a better evening. Paton was busy and creative and it was the Irishman who brought Vale level on 22 minutes. Brown, who up to that point had been quiet, threaded a lovely ball through and Paton calmly finished.

Brown and Paton were linking up well with the former having a shot blocked and seeing another go over. However, Vale were not to rue those misses as Paton fed Jack Shorrock for the second goal. His pass found the youngster on the left-hand side and his shot went in off the post.

It could arguably have been more. There was chaos in the Leeds penalty area on 29 minutes but Paton and Waine’s shots were blocked. Nevertheless, Vale would be feeling comfortable at the break.

Half-time: Port Vale 2-1 Leeds Utd U21

Second-half

Sub Ronan Curtis added a stunning third goal and fellow sub Mo Faal another as the Valiants completed a comfortable group win in the Football League Trophy.

Vale made a half-time change with Heneghan coming on for Debrah. The visitors had the first chance of the half with a shot going just wide. They soon had a second with Heneghan blocking well. Vale were next to threaten with Brown running out of steam after a mazy run but it was otherwise a quiet opening to the second 45 minutes.

Vale made further changes on the hour mark. Ronan Curtis coming on for Dejaune Brown and Jaheim Headley for goalscorer Jack Shorrock. It was Curtis who put Vale 3-1 ahead within minutes of coming on. Good work from Shipley robbed a Leeds defender and Curtis lashed the ball home from the edge of the box.

There was then a flashpoint as tempers flared on 65 minutes. Cresswell was late on Gordon and the Vale player reacted. Waine then tried to take advantage of a mistake at the back but was unable to do so. Paton then found space on 69 minutes and crashed the ball home, but he was flagged offside. It was Hall’s turn next as he headed wide from a Shipley corner on 74 minutes. On 82 minutes there was another opportunity as Headley’s low ball caused problems.

The fourth goal finally came when the subs combined – Faal heading home a Curtis corner on 86 minutes. Meanwhile, Leeds were unlucky not to score when Gordon made a mistake but Douglas’ shot rattled the post. There was then a final chance for Waine but he was denied by the keeper.

It was in some respects, disappointing not to see Vale take more of those chances and stretch their lead even more but nevertheless, they will be pleased with a solid performance and victory.

Full-time: Port Vale 4-1 Leeds Utd U21