The Wonder Of P.V.F.C.: Port Vale Vs Tiverton Town 18th July 2007

Vale had a stiff test in tonight's game but eventually came out 3-0 winners over Tiverton Town. Vale huffed and puffed a bit in the first 45 mins, and Foyle must of felt it was going to be one of those nights, with the players showing little ability to break down Tiverton's 3-4-3 formation. It may of only been a pre-season friendly, and it was all about fitness levels rather than skill after all, but Foyle must of expected a little more 'bite' from his players.

The first half gave Foyle little to be cheerful about. Not enough was created for youngsters Danny Glover and trialist Gareth Evans. Both tried hard to make the most of poor ball's being fed through from Luke Prosser and Keith Lowe. They were both played out of position for tonight's game, but Foyle expected more from them. Joe Cardle had provided a few bright sparks in the first half, with his inch perfect corner being flicked just wide by Colin Miles on 28 minutes. Cardle then had a good effort stopped by the Tiverton keeper after collecting the ball on the half way line and skipping past three players and shooting from just inside the area.
The second half came to life with the introduction of four substitutes. This saw the pairing of Akpo Sodje and Luke Rodgers back together, and making a case for starting up front in the first game of the season. Tiverton could not cope with Sodje's aggressive runs, and an unstoppable volley from him 10 yards out on 53 minutes opened the scoring for Vale. Vale then introduced a further six subs on 58 minutes, and Rocastle went close to doubling the lead on 74 minutes. He ran on to Rodgers pass along the edge of the area and hammered the ball hard and low, but Tivertons keeper blocked the effort with his leg's. Shane Tudor was also denied a penalty when he was bodychecked by Tiverton defender Nathan Rudge.

Luke Rodgers then scored twice in quick succession to continue his impressive pre-season form taking his tally to 3 goals in two game's. The first came four minutes from time after a perfectly weighted pass from George Pilkington. Rodgers ran through and steered the ball under the Tiverton keeper's dive. The goal seemed to deflate Tiverton and two minutes later he struck again, latching on to Sodje's ball behind the Tiverton defence an Rodgers bending in a low shot from 20 yards. Foyle was grateful, in the end, for a tough workout which gave him more to think about than last years 6-1 win at the same venue. Foyle said after the match " We had two young lads up front in the first half who are still learning their trade, and the quality of ball to them was not good, The second half was much better with a lot more passion and commitment. We are trying to mix and match it up before the start of the season, and it is a case of trying to find the right blend. We have a lot of work to do both defensively and on the attacking because the quality of ball to the front men must be better ".

Port Vale Team