Stockport County 1-2 Port Vale – relegated Valiants stun Stockport with deserved away win

First-half

Relegated Port Vale turned the form table on its head as they powered into a two goal lead in the first-half.

The Valiants went into a shock early lead with the first decent move of the game. Ben Garrity fed Waine down the flank and his ball found Sherif who converted well from close range. It was 1-0 to Vale after just three minutes.

Afterwards, Stockport took control of possession but found Vale in resilient form. It was even better for Vale on 22 minutes. Some poor Stockport defending saw the Valiants win the ball back and Gabriel picked up a loose ball, ran into the box and unleashed a great curling drive to find the net. Man City manager Pep Guardiola was in the crowd and no doubt impressed by the Valiants’ first-half play.

Jack Diamond, who already had goals against Vale earlier this season, was looking Stockport’s dangerman and he hit the site netting on 31 minutes. However, the goal had boosted Vale’s confidence. A lovely ball from Walters nearly found Waine in the box and George Hall had another shot blocked.

The home side countered with a header from Sidibe which found the roof of the net. The dangerous Diamond drove another shot over shortly afterwards.

There was appeals for a red when Waine was pulled back but the ref decided there was a covering player thought that was debatable. From the free-kick George Hall drove the ball just wide. At the break the unlikely score-line saw Vale two-up and arguably it could have been more.

Half-time: Stockport County 0-2 Port Vale

Second-half

A composed and classy performance by the Valiants saw them upset the odds and return to Burslem with three points.

Vale made a double change at the break to rest tired legs. Ethon Archer and Onel Hernandez came on for Ben Waine and George Hall. Archer had an early snapshot after yet more hesitation in the County defence. The home side’s first chance saw Diamond’s effort well saved by Gauci. However, despite home side pressure, Vale were still looking dangerous when they attacked. There was a further chance for Archer after a good ball by Ward. Another lovely Vale move, this time by Walters, almost set up Gabriel for another chance.

Tyler Magloire, another player who has had his critics, had grown into the game after a shaky start and he made an excellent last-ditch challenge to deny Norwood on 67 minutes. Stockport were starting to get more desperate but Vale were keeping it simple and staying calm as they entered unfamiliar waters this season. Stockport’s day was summed up by a 70th minute effort from sub Bate who skied his shot miles over the bar.

County continued to press in the closing stages as Andresson headed over on 75 minutes. But it wasn’t all one-way traffic as the lively Hernandez broke and his ball was nearly forced over the line by a County defender. Then fellow sub Archer beat the defence but his weak shot was saved. Vale’s defence stayed strong with sub Heneghan putting in a brave block late on. It forced Heneghan off for treatment and Stockport scored against the ten men through Bailey. There was now minutes left. It caused some anxious moments, including screams for a penalty when Barry went to ground in the box, in the final minute, but the Valiants held on for the win.

It was a fantastic performance, seemingly out of nowhere, as the Vale sealed a well deserved and completely unexpected away win.

Full-time: Stockport County 1-2 Port Vale