Darren Moore’s Valiants travelled to Newcastle Town for our annual Pre-Season friendly against the Northern Premier League West Division side.
Vale included just two summer signings in their eleven that started the game at the Red Industries Stadium. Right back Jordan Gabriel started on the right of the back four, whilst permanent signing Rico Richards started in midfield.
The game’s first shot on target came after just four minutes when Rico Richards cut inside onto his left foot before taking aim, but Joe Slinn saved comfortably despite the ball bouncing just before him.
Ruari Paton, fresh from a loan in Scotland, started up front alongside Lorent Tolaj and the pair almost linked up in the 15th minute, but Paton’s through ball was just out of reach of the Swiss striker.
Rico Richards was a bright spark for Vale in the first half and he showed glimpses of skill to get past his man before getting to the by-line and just overhitting a cross on the brink of half time.
At the break, Darren Moore changed all of his outfield players, handing first starts to summer signings Liam Gordon and Jordan Shipley.
The first opportunity of the second half was manufactured by James Plant, who got to the by-line down the right side before sending a low cross towards Trialist B, but his first-time effort was well over the bar.
On the hour mark, the hosts pushed forward and came close to taking the lead, but Mitch Clark timed his tackle to perfection as he blocked the incoming strike.
In the 77th minute, Vale had a good opportunity to take the lead when Plant’s cross from the left was met by Jayden Stockley, but his powerful header was the wrong side of the post.
Trialist A was called into action with ten minutes to go as he was on hand to push a 20-yard free kick to safety
With seven minutes to go the hosts had the best chance of the game when Newcastle’s forward bought down a through ball before crashing an effort off the inside of the post from close range.
Port Vale First Half XI: Trialist A, Jordan Gabriel, Jesse Debrah, Connor Hall, Jaheim Headley, George Byers, Rhys Walters, Rico Richards, Ruari Paton, Jack Shorrock, Lorent Tolaj
Port Vale Second Half XI: Trialist, Mitch Clark, Ben Heneghan, Kyle John, Liam Gordon, Jordan Shipley, Ronan Curtis, James Plant, Ryan Croasdale, Trialist B, Jayden Stockley
