Bradford 0-0 Port Vale: the Valiants were unlucky not to win a penalty at Valley Parade as the defence finally held firm to record the side’s first clean sheet since October 31st.
Share your thoughts? What did you make of the Port Vale performance? Post a comment at the bottom of this article.
Manager John Askey made three changes after the debacle against Barrow with Shaun Brisley, Leon Legge and David Amoo returning. There were also three youth teamers – Eden Bailey, Michael Lennon and Luke Chambers – on the Vale bench. Opposing them was a familiar face with former Valiant Sam Hornby making his League debut in the Bradford goal.
The Vale started brightly with two chances for David Fitzpatrick. Firstly, a good run from Alex Hurst set him up then a long-range drive went just wide. Youngster Hurst was looking particularly lively in the opening stages as he continued his bright form.
Bradford countered with a period of pressure. First there was a chance for veteran Lee Novak but Fitzpatrick was on hand to steer the ball clear. From the resulting corner, more poor defending left a Bradford player free but he fired wide from close range. Next to threaten was Callum Cooke who forced a good save from Brown.
However, it was a markedly better first-half display by the Valiants, who understandably adopted a more defensive approach but looked more motivated and hard working than they did on Boxing Day. It was all-square at the break.
The home side continued to apply the pressure in the second-half but Vale had arguably the first decent chance when Amoo forced a save out of Hornby.
The Valiants managed to see out the Bradford pressure as the second-half developed into a more even affair. The most controversial moment of the match then occurred on 70 minutes as Hornby looked to bring down Rodney on the edge of the box but the ref wasn’t convinced it was a foul. Minutes later, the home side had a penalty appeal of their own turned down.
It was Bradford who asked the questions in the closing stages. Cooke came close when he forced a good save from Brown and Shan Brisley was on hand to clear the rebound. Moments later Evans also forced a good save from the Valiants keeper. However, the Port Vale defence finally held firm to record their first clean sheet since the 31st of October and give manager John Askey some welcome breathing space ahead of the crucial January transfer window.
The positives for Vale on Tuesday night were – a far better defensive display with Legge and Brisley looking a solid partnership; Scott Brown pulling off fine saves and looking to be back in top form while upfront there were some moments of promise from Amoo, Hurst and Rodney.
Full-time: Bradford 0-0 Port Vale
Share your thoughts? What did you make of the Port Vale performance? Post a comment at the bottom of this article.
Port Vale: Brown – Smith, Legge, Brisley, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Burgess, Whitehead – Hurst (Pope), Rodney, Amoo
Subs: Visser, Crookes, Bailey, Lennon, Mills, Chambers
I just about managed to stay awake during that ‘gripping’ encounter but it’s a clean sheet and that’s welcome after such an appalling run. It’s now down to the manager to do some decent business in the January window and make some key improvements to that squad.
At least the back four of Smith, Brisley, Legge and Fitzpatrick showed that they can defend although the Bradford attackers are not the best test in the world. It was an improved performance and it had to be to give the team a modicum of confidence in their own ability. I am not so sure that Whitehead is providing much at the moment – he sometimes gives the impression of not being fully fit. You can rest assured that the next match against Mansfield will be a sterner test for the Vale so lets get the best possible team together and play with the intention of coming away with three points.