Port Vale Vs Sheffield Wednesday 28th July

Vale continued their fine pre-season with yet another victory over Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday. Sheffield came to Vale with a strong side, and Foyley would of expected a tougher game them, but Vale dominated the game from start to finish, with the new strike partnership of Sodje and Rodgers proving they could be a force to be reckoned with this season. This was Vale's fourth win in five games, and they still remain unbeaten. To add to that Luke Rodgers appears to be on fire in front of goal with 7 goals now in 5 games. Foyle must be hoping he carries this form into the season.
All this goes to show that Leon Constantine will not be missed this term, and he may regret leaving Vale for the bright lights of Leeds United, a bigger team granted, but at least Vale are not millions in debt, with a transfer embargo placed on them, all the named stars jumping ship, a midget for a manager with very little experience, and to top it all he will have to face the wrath of the Railway Paddock when the money grabbing mard-arse returns with the not so mighty Leeds to Vale Park when they meet here in the league. Good move Leon! You showed us all what a true loyal player you are and I'm sure the Leeds fans will appreciate all the runs you won't make for anyone, and all the great passes to team-mates you won't make! Any there will be more of them hurling abuse at you than the few who did up the Vale. Lazy players always get found out Leon, just remember that!

Once again Vale got off to a flying start scoring two goals in the first 13 minutes. The first goal came when a long ball into the box from Keith Lowe was knocked on by Sodje to Rodgers, who was then bundled over in the area by Sheffield's Steve Watson. Rodgers picked himself up to take the resulting penalty, and staked his claim to be spot kick taker next this season, blasting the ball past the stranded keeper. Two minute later Rodgers again added to his tally with a powerful strike from 25 yards after taking advantage of a mistake in Sheffield's defense.

Akpo Sodje almost added a third for Vale midway through the first period with one of his trademark blasts from way out. He let fly with the fearsome shot from 20 yards out, only to have the ball pushed onto the crossbar by the Wednesday keeper. Vale dominated the first half as for once Vale looked very strong at the back in the well organised defence, but they nearly pulled one back on half time when Jermaine Johnson had an effort strike the woodwork.

Vale made it 3-0 within 20 seconds of the start of the second half. Rodgers stole the ball from a Sheffield defender leaving him on the deck, and poked it through to Sodje. Sodje then ran on to shot the ball in from 8 yards out, leaving the visitors back line looking bemused. Anyon who spent most of the first half with nothing to do, pulled off a fine save from Glenn Whelan.

Vale then gave Sheffield a fighting chance by making several substitutions. This left them losing their rhythm a little, but they managed a clean sheet, and there are many positives to take from the game. Martin Foyle managed to get another look at all three of his trialists again, and his summer signings all gave good performances in this match. Willock again looked a handful, Adaggio had a couple of good efforts on goal, and Evans proved he could be favourite for the shirt with another good showing. Shane Tudor again proved he will be a firm favourite this year also. He has been working hard in the pre-season to impress his new boss, and feels he is the fittest he has ever been for the start of a new season. Tudor played for 77 minutes of today's game and said after the match " I have been delighted with how things have started for me this season. I think I can take on any full-back in this league, but I also think the gaffer will have me working on the other aspects of my game. I know I can create chances for other people, and I am as happy sticking the ball on someones head as scoring myself. There is a great buzz around the squad, and we are all like kids waiting for Christmas to come because of the confidence we have. We know if we work as hard as we have in this game in the league we will have a great chance to do something this season, and hopefully get into the play-offs. "

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon (Chris Martin 77)
2. Mark McGregor
3. Jason Talbot (Justin Miller 62)
4. Danny Whitaker (Paul Harsley 62)
5. Keith Lowe (Luke Prosser 77)
6. George Pilkington ( Charlie O'Loughlin 62)
7. Shane Tudor ( Joe Cardle 77)
8. Craig Rocastle (Gareth Evans 62)
9. Akpo Sodje (Marco Adaggio 58)
10. Luke Rodgers (Callum Willock 45)
11. Paul Edwards ( Danny Glover 77)