Port Vale 1-0 Exeter City: Striker Theo Robinson ended a nineteen game drought with the winner on Good Friday.
What did you think of the performance? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.
In an impressive opening period by the Valiants, Robinson stroked the ball home from close range on two minutes after excellent play by Devante Rodney and David Worrall had taken advantage of some slack Exeter defending.
Darrell Clarke’s side could have added to their lead in the opening period with Rodney flagged offside when sent clear and forcing the keeper into a save with another attempt while Tom Conlon and Cristian Montano also put efforts wide.
The visitors made tactical changes and came back into the game in the second period of the first-half but without creating any clearcut chances as Scott Brown didn’t have a save to make in the first-half. However, as the game paused for the interval, Vale were unlucky not to be ahead by more than the one goal.
The second period was a more even affair. Devante Rodney’s effort was well saved before Jay saw his shot saved by Brown.
Bowman was lucky after an apparent elbow felled Legge but went unspotted by the officials as the visitors pushed to get back into the game.
Exeter largely dominated the second-half possession but there were still chances for Vale with another Rodney effort saved while City defender Parkes went close during a melee in the Vale area. Despite that pressure, Vale held firm and professionally saw out the game to record an excellent fourth straight win.
Full-time: Port Vale 1-0 Exeter City
What did you think of the performance? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.
Port Vale: Brown – Smith, Legge, Brisley – Worrall, Conlon, Joyce, Oyeleke, Montano – Rodney (Cullen), Robinson (Guthrie)
Subs: Scott, Hurst, Amoo, Taylor
I am really beginning to enjoy Vale’s renewed vigour and their all-round performances. I at first doubted Darrell Clarke’s faith in Theo Robinson’s ability but he stuck by him and today it paid off. Let’s hope it leads to a run of goal scoring – we will wait and see.
Now the defence has settled down we look in command at the back Brisley is doing well and Smithy and Leggy are playing like they were at the start of the season.
A few more goals would be great, and the midfield and up front players seem to be getting the hang of things and producing some good performances. Conlon is setting the example needed from a captain. Let’s hope it all continues. UTV.