Saturday 3rd Sept 2011

Port Vale 2 Shrewsbury Town 1

Team:

Hemmings

Whieldon Price Davis Evans

Croft Plant Thorley Lloyd

Lee Marland

Subs: Boot, Prior, Russell, Lander, Jefferies

The game got off to a scrappy start as both teams didn't hold the ball in the first 15 minutes. The match was a passionate and physical affair with both teams not holding back The passion soon boiled over with both teams getting involved in a scuffle when a Shrewsbury player acted aggressively after some strong defending from Joe Davis.The game continued in a similar vein, until Vale proved they were a better footballing team by breaking the deadlock. Thorley switched the ball to Lloyd on the left wing who crossed to Marland who neatly despatched the cross in the bottom corner. A superb build up and very accurate finish by Marland giving the visiting keeper no chance. After the first break through the game continued at high tempo with chances being created at both ends.Vale showed a few flashes of neat football but failed to break down the Shrewsbury back four again. The visitors did create some problems but there efforts came to nothing. The first half finished with no more goals. Vale were the stronger team in the first half and now just needed to capitalise on their chances.

Half-Time Port Vale 1-0 Shrewsbury Town

The second half has begun and Shrewsbury come out fighting.They were putting vale under pressure and didn't allow Vale any time on the ball. The defence was under pressure from a rejuvenated Shrewsbury.This pressure soon told 10 minutes into the 2^nd half as Shrewsbury were awarded a penalty, after Davis was deemed to be holding a Shrewsbury player from a corner.The Shrewsbury front man calmly despatched the penalty, sending the keeper Hemmings the wrong way. This goal provided Vale with a wakeup call as the momentum again swings into Vale's favour. Vales football ability was again showing through as they created a few chances and were rewarded a few set pieces in dangerous areas. However the home side failed to capitalise on their opportunities and the scores remained 1-1. Around the 60th minute Vale made 2 substitutions. Russell replaced Lee up front and Jefferies replaced Crofts at right midfield. Jefferies was making his first appearance back after damaging his knee ligaments on the opening day of the season. The substitutions gave Vale a new found energy and the momentum remained in Vales favour as they began to get on top. Shrewsbury were now on the back foot and Vale were now playing there attacking football and were creating chances. Giving players good shooting opportunities on the edge of the box. Vale were oozing confidence and Vales winning goal came on the 80^th minute.After some neat one touch passing in midfield the ball was slotted through to Marland who again placed the ball into the bottom corner. This goal gave Vale 3 well earned points and got the team back to winning ways after disappointing defeats against Walsall and Tranmere.

It was an excellent advert for Youth football and a near on crowd of 100 saw an exciting game.On this showing the lads turned in a great performance fully deserving the win.

Full Time: Port Vale 2-1 Shrewsbury Town

Match reporter Dominic Plant (2^nd Year )