The Wonder Of P.V.F.C.: Port Vale Vs Newcastle Town 14th July 2007

Vale hit four goals past Newcastle Town in the sunshine, as they started this years campaign with the annual trip to to Lyme Valley Stadium. Foyle tends to use this as a chance to view the players fitness levels, so each half saw a different line up. Joe Cardle was yet again voted Vale's man of the match in this fixture, although last seasons pre-season promise from the youngster came to nothing, as his season ended up as a few sub appearances. But Cardle has vowed to make a fight of it this season, and added Vale's first goal, the only goal of this first half. Just earlier he had stung the keepers fingers with a warning shot, only for Danny Glover to shoot wide. New signing Shane Tudor also showed promise with a free kick just before half time that struck the post.

Luke Rodgers showed what Vale fans could look forward too this year on 56 mins with a stunning free kick to put Vale 2-0 up, crisply striking the ball from 30 yards and in off the post. Vale added a third on 80 mins as Danny Whitaker put a clever through ball to Rodgers, who squared the ball for Akpo Sodje to fire home. Rodgers finished a good display off sliding through trialist Greg Clowes who fired home Vales fourth from 18 yards.
Foyle added " The game today is not about the result, but checking everyone's fitness and making sure they all come through unscathed. There will be much tougher tests to come and we must make sure we are ready to mount a serious promotion bid this year. "

First Half Team