The Valiants have advanced to the knockout stages of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy after a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Manchester City’s U21s.
Jon Brady’s side wasted no time in opening the scoring when Jaheim Headley’s through ball found Onel Hernandez on the left, who cut back and squared for Maleace Asamoah to pass into the net after four minutes.
Vale added another six minutes later when a Headley corner reached Aaron McGowan nodded a strong header home at the back post in his first start for the club.
Sustained control throughout the half meant chances kept arriving for the Valiants, with McGowan turning creator on the half-hour mark as a high, looping cross reached Max Watters at the back host who headed past City keeper Chabot.
Lewis Monstma got involved in the action four minutes after our third after another pinpoint McGowan cross reached the defender who converted with his head to make it four in the first half.
The visitors improved into the second half, finding themselves in the attacking third more often, but the fifth goal was found by a clinical Vale.
Substitute Keyrol Figueroa was the scorer as he prodded home another headed goal into the bottom right corner from a Kyle John cross.
Port Vale Academy graduate Charlie Bussell started for the first time today after substitute appearances in the previous two Jersey Mike’s Trophy fixtures against Chesterfield and Mansfield.
Oli Lynch had a golden chance in the latter stages of the game face-to-face with the keeper, but his left-footed attempt from the edge of the box flew over.
City threatened to break Jackson Smith’s clean sheet a few times, including when Brooklyn Fueba drove towards his goal from the right, but his attempt was straight at Smith.
Vale cruised to victory to book their place in the knockout stages of the Jersey Mike’s trophy.
Port Vale: Jackson Smith, Kyle John © Cam Humphreys 65’), Jaheim Headley (Jordan Gabriel 65’), Onel Hernandez (Oli Lynch 58’), Aaron McGowan (Jasper Moon 65’), Lewis Monstma, Maleace Asamoah, George Hall, Max Watters (Keyrol Figueroa 58’), Rhys Walters, Charlie Bussell.
Subs not used: Marko Marosi, Kyle Dempsey.
Man City U21s: Max Chabot, Brooklyn Feuba, Harrison Parker, Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Marlow Barrett 45’), Femi Fapetu (Teddie Lamb 45’) , Xavier Parker, Charlie Courtman (Harrison Miles 45’), Leke Drake, Matthew Henderson-Hall (Finley Gorman 74’), Kian Noble ©, Kylan Midwood.
Subs not used: Ben Vickery, Teddie Lamb, Oliver Tevenan.