Goals from Jordan Gabriel and Maleace Asamoah helped the Valiants to a 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.
The Valiants took an early lead when Ben Garrity played a nice ball in behind for George Hall to run on to down the left side of the area; he then played a first-time pass across the face of goal that was turned home by Jordan Gabriel from close range.
The Visitors came close to a leveller in the 10th minute when Deji Oshilaja saw his header cleared off the line by Kyle Dempsey after he met a corner from the right.
After going behind early, the Visitors dominated the ball but failed to really create anything of note. In the 25th minute, a corner was cleared as far as Luke Bolton, who struck an effort towards goal. The low strike fell kindly to Rhys Oates on the edge of the area, who took a touch before volleying well over the bar.
Ten minutes into the second half, the visitors had a great chance to level the score. Rhys Oates was played in behind, and he turned quickly before striking a low effort straight at Marko Marosi, who saved with his legs.
In the 57th minute Maleace Asamoah was introduced as part of a double substitution and he took just twenty seconds to make an impact. The Vale substitute picked up the ball in midfield before driving forward and striking a low effort into the bottom corner to double Vale’s lead.
The hosts looked to hit back as Tyler Roberts took aim from range, but his effort was well over the crossbar and into the Hamile Road End at Vale Park.
In the dying moments of the game, the Visitors came inches away from halving the deficit as Luke Bolton’s low cross was diverted goalwards by Jon Russell, but his effort crashed off the crossbar before George Maris’ rebound was well cleared by Vale.
TEAM NEWS
Port Vale: Marko Marosi, Jaheim Headley, Jasper Moon, Connor Hall, Jordan Gabriel, Ben Garrity © (Aaron McGowan 81’), Onel Hernandez (Maleace Asamoah 57’), Cam Humphreys, George Hall (Charlie Bussell 45’), Max Watters (Oli Lynch 57’).
Subs not used: Theo Morgan, Kyle John, Lewis Monstma.
Mansfield Town: Harry Lewis, Kyle Knoyle (George Abbott 63’), Stephen McLaughlin (Ryan Sweeney 45’), Luke Bolton, George Maris, Rhys Oates (Tyler Roberts 63’), Fraser Blake-Tracey, Deji Oshilaja (Jon Russell 45’), Regan Hendry, Louis Reed © (Taylor Anderson 54’), Owen Dodgson
Subs not used: Liam Roberts, Elliot Hewitt.