Two second-half goals from Connor Hall and Mo Faal earn Vale a 2-0 victory at Accrington Stanley in the Vertu Trophy.
Darren Moore made ten changes to his side following Saturday’s goalless draw against Northampton Town. Jesse Debrah was the only player to retain his place in a side that included Ben Amos, who made his first appearance of the season.
The first opportunity of the night fell to the Valiants after just two minutes. Jayden Stockley took advantage of a loose header at the back, but his attempted lob was comfortably caught by the keeper.
Ten minutes later, Vale manufactured another good chance as Ronan Curtis broke down the right side before cutting back to Ruari Paton, who saw his effort blocked, the rebound fell to Jack Shorrock, who didn't get hold of his effort, and the danger was cleared.
After a few half-chances, the hosts had their first meaningful effort in the 25th minute. A free kick from the left fell to Paddy Madden at the back post, who sliced his effort well wide of the near post.
These were the only real opportunities of what was a fairly uneventful first half of football.
At the break, Connor Hall made way for Jesse Debrah. Darren Moore was forced to make another change two minutes later after the returning Kyle John was caught late by Paddy Madden, and he had to hobble off.
On the hour mark, Vale had Ben Amos to thank for keeping the scores level. Donald Love broke down the right side and sent a low ball into the box that was met by a first-time effort from Paddy Madden. However, his powerful effort was excellently saved by the Vale keeper, who was at full stretch to turn the ball around the post.
Fifteen minutes from time, the hosts came close again when a cut-back from the right found its way to Alex Henderson, who took aim with a half-volley which agonisingly went over the crossbar.
The game's turning point came in the 77th minute when Accrington were reduced to ten men. Benn Ward was shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Ronan Curtis. The Stanley centre back was adjudged to have caught Curtis in the face with his knee and was shown his marching orders.
Vale made the most of their man advantage as they took the lead with nine minutes left. Ronan Curtis’ corner from the left was headed home by Connor Hall, who found the bottom corner.
Vale’s lead was doubled five minutes later. Ronan Curtis picked up his second assist of the night as he raced down the right side before crossing to Mo Faal, who finished well from close range!
After a fairly uneventful 80 minutes, the game had burst into life and Vale had found themselves in a comfortable position as we entered added time.
Ronan Curtis came close to adding a third when he cut inside onto his left foot and curled an effort towards the back post, but it was turned around the post by Michael Kelly, who was equal to it.
The referee brought an end to proceedings and with that victory, the Valiants earned a place in the next round of the Vertu Trophy. Our final group game against Fleetwood Town will decide who tops the group.
TEAM NEWS
Accrington Stanley: Michael Kelly, Donald Love ©, Conor Grant (Josh Smith 82’), Lewis Coyle, Paddy Madden (Charlie Caton 67’), Alex Henderson, Benn Ward, Logan Pye, Devon Matthews, Anjola Popoola (Josh Woods 67’), Dan Martin.
Subs not used: James Rogerson, Finlay Tunstall, Joe Bauress, Charlie Brown
Port Vale: Ben Amos, Ben Heneghan ©, Jayden Stockley (George Hall 69’), Ronan Curtis, Rhys Walters, Ruari Paton (Dajaune Brown 69’), Ryan Croasdale, Jesse Debrah (Connor Hall 45’), Jack Shorrock, Kyle John (Ben Lomax 47’), Mo Faal.
Subs not used: Marko Marosi, Funso Ojo, Jordan Shipley
Attendance: 649 (164 visiting supporters)
