Yeovil Town Vs Port Vale 18th August 2007

Martin Foyle promised one thing to be different this season - more passion. So far there has been far to little by the Vale players. Only the first away game of the season, but Vale are still woeful on their travels it seems in this passionless display at Huish Park verses Yeovil. Vale were given a slight boost prior to kick off, with Akpo Sodje being declared fit to retake his place alongside Luke Rodgers, who had shook off an injury scare himself in training.

The conditions for today's game were appalling for a summer fixture, with the rain tipping down for most of the game, and Vales performance didn't give the travelling fans anything to smile about either.

After the extra time earlier in the week against Wrexham, Vale could be forgiven for feeling a bit tired prior to today's game and seemed unable to lift themselves for the match. The first half started with neither side really creating much in the way of chances. The rain seemed to affect both sides, as neither team could string any meaningful moves together. Yeovil put the first real move together. Marcus Stewart, often a thorn in Vale's side in the past, found winger Jones on the right, and his superb cross found ex Crewe player Cochrane, who blasted the ball past Anyon in the Vale goal. The goal seemed to give the home side a boost, with both Owusu and Jones going close to doubling the home sides advantage. As in midweek in the cup, Vale seemed to lack any creative idea's, but against the run of play Yeovil almost handed them a golden opportunity to equalise. Tudor's free kick was knocked into the area by Pilkington, and under pressure from Rodgers, the keeper spilt the ball into the path of Rocastle, but his shot was weak and came to nothing. Sodje had a good effort shortly after but his shot went wide. Vale continued to come under pressure from the home side towards the end of the half, and only good clearances from Lowe prevented Yeovil from going further ahead.

Half Time Yeovil Town 1 - 0 Port Vale

Vale had to try and keep hold of the ball in the second period if they were to get anything out of the game, but it was Yeovil who again seemed the more likely to score, with a Williams effort just clearing the bar. Tudor, who had impressed in his first two games for Vale, seemed to be having no impact on today's game, and Foyle tried to shake things up on 56 minutes replacing Tudor and Rocastle with Marc Richards and Paul Harsley. This seemed to give Vale a bit of a lift, and they created chances from a string of free kicks, but it came to nothing.

Yeovil seemed to be happy they had done enough to quell the visitors response to the fresh legs and created little in the way of any clear cut chances. Foyle then had his final substitution to try and get a goal, and it created Vales best chance of the game. Paul Edwards came on for Jason Talbot with 15 minutes left on the clock and almost got Vale back into the game. He swung a pinpoint cross into the area but Lowe had his header tipped away by the Yeovil keeper. Richards almost went close after a good ball in from Whitaker, but his effort went just wide. Right on time Anyon pulled off a great save to prevent Yeovil from adding to the scoreline, but in the end this passionless performance was not enough from Vale and Yeovil ran out easy winners.

Final Score Yeovil 1 - 0 Port Vale

After the game Foyle was rightly furious at his teams lack of bite in the game, and has said he will make wholesale changes before the visit of Hartlepool next week. This has been a bad week for Vale, and despite not appearing to bothered at the League Cup exit, surely Bill Bratt and Martin Foyle must be a little disappointed at the fact we would of drawn Aston Villa at home in the next round. After the game Foyle said " There seemed to be quite a few things wrong today. i was bitterly disappointed with the first half display, and we were much better after the substitutions in the second half. So it looks like that is what is needed before next week - changes. No-one can argue about the result after the first half. It was poor and passionless, we couldn't hold the ball up or even pass from A to B, something we will have to get right in training. "

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. Mark McGregor
3. Jason Talbot (Paul Edwards 71)
4. Robin Hulbert
5. George Pilkington
6. Keith Lowe
7. Shane Tudor (Marc Richards 56)
8. Craig Rocastle (Paul Harsley 56)
9. Akpo Sodje
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Danny Whitaker

Subs Not Used

• Callum Willock
• Colin Miles

Today's Attendance: 5,071

Man Of The Match: Joe Anyon

Port Vale Vs Wrexham Carling Cup 1st Round 14th August 2007

Well there is one thing you can rely Vale to do during a League Cup campaign and that's blow it. After last seasons heroics against Championship outfits Preston, Norwich and Q.P.R. and the valiant efforts put up in taking Tottenham to extra time, this seasons cup run came down to earth with a very big bang as Vale dumped out of the competition on penalties to League Two outfit Wrexham after a drab night at Vale Park.

Vale were forced to change the line up from Saturday as Akpo Sodje had not recovered from his injury, so into the fray stepped up Callum Willock to start for the first time this season. Vale started the game as sharply as they have done every game in the last few weeks, and almost took the lead from the off, as Luke Rodgers skipped past two defenders and sent in a low cross. Danny Whitaker picked up the ball and played a one-two with Rodgers, whose shot hit the crossbar.

Despite the good start it was Wrexham who took the lead after 11 minutes. Danny Williams knocked a through ball to Micheal Proctor, and he duly took the ball past the helpless Keith Lowe and shot past Anyon into the top corner. Lowe and Anyon then played the blame game with each other, but Lowe was clearly at fault, as the through ball had left him completely out of position leaving Anyon stranded.

Luke Rodgers is still the brightest spark in the Vale line up this season and tonight was no exception. He was a constant thorn in the Wrexham defence and it was almost certain Vale would get a goal back as they began to dominate the game. Shane Tudor impressed again and his ability to take on players could prove an asset to Vale this term. He had a great chance to level when Willock played him through, but instead of hitting the ball first time h steadied himself and put the ball just over.

Chance after chance came and it was beginning ti frustrate both the players and the fans at Vales inability to put away one of the efforts. They were finally rewarded when a penalty was awarded on 34 minutes. Tudor's ball over to Willock left him clear in the area. He turned to take a shot, but was needlessly pulled down by a Wrexham defender. After his perfect spot kick on Saturday, Luke Rodgers stepped up again to blast the ball past the keeper and to score his second goal in as many games.

Half Time Score Port Vale 1 - 1 Wrexham

Vale started the second half in a dominant mood again, and Wrexham seemed to be holding on for what appeared to be only a matter of time before they went behind. Vale continued to create chance's, with Rodgers and Willock linking up well. The lack of a breakthrough appeared to dwell on the minds of Vale's players, and gave Wrexham a lift. Tudor drifted out of the game, and his problems with his shin guards seemed to leave him unwilling to put in any meaningful effort. As Vale's chances dried up Wrexham started to dominate, and the introduction of Johnson put Vale on the back foot. As time ticked on Vale started to try efforts from way outside the box, and these were summed up by a woeful effort from Rocastle that flew over the bar. Foyle tried in vain to rally the troops from the edge of the pitch but it seemed the message was not getting through. In an attempt to break the deadlock, Willock was replaced by Marc Richards on 76 minutes, but his lack of fitness showed through and he looked out of sorts on the ball, often giving the ball away needlessly.

Full Time Score Port Vale 1 - 1 Wrexham

After being level on 90 minutes extra time was needed to try and break the deadlock. They need not of bothered! Both half's of extra time were very drab affairs. Neither side looked willing to throw players forward, although Wrexham did look more likely to score. The first period seemed to drag on for an age, with both sides only gaining corners but doing nothing with them. The second period was slightly better, with Wrexham at least trying to score with efforts from Llewellyn and Johnson going close. Foyle brought on Miles after Talbot could not get rid of a leg cramp, and this seemed the point where Vale's effort to push forward stopped.

Score after Extra Time Port Vale 1 - 1 Wrexham

Penalties

• Wrexham 1-0 Valentine - Gave Anyon no chance with well struck penalty
• Vale 1-1 Rodgers - Vale's best spot kick taker puts it away with ease
• Wrexham 2-1 Spender - Hit Hard but to high for Anyon to reach
• Vale 2-2 Richards - Well hit penalty put away nicely
• Wrexham 3-2 Murtagh - Hit at good height for keeper to reach but too hard to stop it
• Vale 3-3 Tudor - Free kick specialist put it away well
• Wrexham 4-3 Done - Almost stopped by Anyon but hit to well again
• Vale 3-4 Whitaker - Tried to place it but hit the post
• Wrexham 5-3 Llewellyn - Perfectly placed past Anyon to win game.

So Vale bow out on penalties, and yet again our League Cup campaign ends as soon as it began. At £14 you can at least say you had your money's, worth but an hour and a half of watching paint dry would of been more fun! Vale seemed to lack any clue how to finish a team off again, and if this is against a League Two side, who only stayed in League Two on the last day of the season, then we are a long way off challenging for the play offs. Foyle has said he wants more passion from the players, well apart from Rodgers there was a distinct lack of passion tonight. The die hard 2,916 who turned up tonight would not of been impressed with Foyle's summer signings. Rocastle is clumsy and slow, Edwards is not real threat, Keith Lowe is a very average center half who hoof's first and passes after. Richards has no real quality, Willock is at best a good sub, but no replacement for Sodje. The only bright spark is Tudor and Rodgers. Tudor takes on players well, but did seem to disappear as the game went on. Rodgers looks quality, and does not stop running and getting at the opposition, but the quality of ball to him has to improve. Things must get better or this will have to be Foyle's last season in charge. To early to right there chances off yet, but if this is an indication of things to come, then I would get your C.V. ready now Martin, you may need it sooner rather than later....

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot (Colin Miles 105)
4. Robin Hulbert (Paul Edwards 85)
5. Keith Lowe
6. Mark McGregor
7. Shane Tudor
8. Craig Rocastle
9. Callum Willock (Marc Richards 76)
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Danny Whitaker

Subs not used

• Mark Goodlad
• Paul Harsley

Tonight's Attendance: 2,916

Man Of The Match: George Pilkington

Port Vale Vs Bristol Rovers 11th August

The sun shone down on Vale Park on the opening day of the 2007/08 season but clouds of doubt hung over us again as Vale again showed their defensive frailties and inability to finish teams off. Many of the large home crowd would not of been tempted into coming back on Tuesday for the Carling Cup match with a very subdued Vale performance. But not to be too despondent, this of course was the first game of the season, and there were a few bright sparks to give us some hope for the rest of the season.

Vale started brightly, and new signing Shane Tudor showed why he will surely become a fans favourite with some brilliant runs in and around the box to thread the ball into Rodgers and Sodje. Rovers then showed why they came up from the league below with a great effort from Lambert which was saved by Anyon in the Vale goal. Vale then got a free kick when a Rovers player was adjudged to of raised a boot at Robin Hulbert. The resulting Tudor free kick was laid off to the lively Rodgers, whose shot was blocked by the Rovers defense.

Both sides were finding the sweltering conditions tough, but it was Vale that were the more attacking in the first half. Sodje and Rodgers both had good chances to break through a very resolute Rovers defence. But towards the end of the half Rovers produced a ten minute spell of dominance that had Vale on the back foot. Rovers created chances both down the left and right flanks, and Jason Talbot was looking out of his depth as he was constantly left out of position and seemingly marking fresh air. This led to Lescott creating good chances for Rovers as he had more and more joy down the right, and bot Campbell and Pipe went close for the visitors.

Luckily for Vale Bristol appeared to have left their shooting boots at home, and the chances they created either were blasted high and wide, or were easily saved by Anyon. Towards the end of the half tempers flared up when Walker appeared to tread on Jason Talbot. Talbot went to ground clutching his chest, and the Vale fans around the area were screaming for the ref to brandish a red card, but Walker didn't even get spoken to by referee Jon Moss. With half time approaching Rocastle impressed with a great ball through to Luke Rodgers, whose effort hit the side netting.

Half Time Score Port Vale 0 - 0 Bristol Rovers

The second half started as the first had ended, with both sides looking good going forward but failing to convert it into any chances on goal. Rovers were first to catch Vale off guard, as Lambert had an effort go just wide. As the sides had switched ends, Bristol seemed buoyed by the huge away following, and produced a great effort when the lively Campbell layed the ball off to Walker, whose effort hit the side netting. Vale then had a blow when Sodje limped off after taking a bad knock on the ankle. Newly signed Callum Willock came on for his debut, and his appearance appeared to lift Vale. Shane Tudor continued to impress giving Jacobson a torrid time down the right with his speed and nifty footwork.

With Vale well on top in the match Willock was bundled over in the box after a dominant run by Rovers keeper Phillips, and referee Moss immediately pointed to the spot. Rodgers stepped up to blast the penalty home, and his goal celebration showed why he will be a firm favourite at Vale Park, with him running over to the Lorne Street fans to celebrate his first of the season after his seven goals in an impressive pre-season.

Vale fans must of been feeling relieved as the team had worked hard to gain the lead against an impressive Bristol defense, but with the introduction of Andy Williams, the visitors seemed to step it up a gear, and leave Vale ruing missed opportunities. Again as time crept into the final fifteen minutes, Vale did what the had done so many times last season and conceded in a game they were dominating. Williams picked the ball up in the area, and the indecisive Vale back line allowed his shot which went in past the helpless Anyon on 77 minutes. Rovers then appeared to have the upper hand and they again went close with an effort from Walker. Vale rallied late on and both Rocastle and Tudor went close in the last few minutes. In the end neither side could break the other down and the points were shared. Foyle said after the match " It was a fair result and I predicted a draw before the game. They are a strong side and will surprise a few teams this season. They made it very hard for us on the day and neither side could argue with getting a point from the match. Shane Tudor created a lot from the wing but he was at home today, and we will have to get the ball to him more so he can create as much on our travels as well. "

Final Score Port Vale 1 - 1 Bristol Rovers

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. Mark McGregor
3. George Pilkington
4. Robin Hulbert
5. Keith Lowe
6. Jason Talbot
7. Shane Tudor
8. Danny Whitaker
9. Akpo Sodje (Callum Willock 62)
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Craig Rocastle

Subs Not Used

• Mark Goodlad
• Paul Harsley
• Colin Miles
• Justin Miller

Today's Attendance: 6,808

Man Of The Match: Robin Hulbert

Nantwich Town Vs Port Vale 7th August

It was never going to be the first team that played tonight, and judging by the first half line up on Saturday against Shrewsbury, Martin Foyle pretty much has his starting eleven for the visit of Bristol Rovers in mind for this weekend's season opener. So a trip in the sunshine to Cheshire and Nantwich Town tonight was about what? Well if nothing else it was for players to pick up some fitness, maybe put themselves in the frame for a place on the bench and to put some money into the coffers of a club embarking on a new era at a new ground.

The Weaver stadium may not be huge, but for a non league ground it say's a lot for this level of footballs ambition to do better. It is one of the nicest little stadiums I have seen, with a great little main stand, a tidy covered supporters stand, a smart club shop and a great function room.

Welcome Back Mark Goodlad

Tonights game also saw the long awaited comeback of Mark Goodlad, out since December with a ruptured Achilles tendon, and also Vale fans first proper look at new boy Marc Richards, who has missed some of pre season with a troublesome groin strain. Also on show was the youthful Andy Porter, who still looks as fit as ever and would probably still make the grade in the league today!

Marc Richards settles into the game

A mainly young Vale side saw themselves run out easy winners of the fixture, although Nantwich did pull level just after the break. One worry was a rather nasty challenge on Joe Cardle, who limped off on 89 minutes to a worried looking Foyle. Apart from the idiots behind the goal shouting 'get up you pansy' and 'I hope you break your neck' to Cardle, most felt he had done enough to put himself on the bench for Saturday.

Vale opened the scoring almost straight from the kick off when Richards opened the scoring after being set up by Calum Willock, who should sign for the Vale today. Nantwich played on the fact Goodlad had been absent for a while by pressing the Vale goal, but he bravely saved from Town's Parkinson. Town almost scored from the resulting corner, but Glover's effort just went over the bar. The Nantwich fans didn't have to wait long for their team to score though, when Blackhurst tapped home on 15 minutes. Vale's young and inexperienced defence sonn cracked again under Town's pressure when Andy Bott made it 2-1 with a shot following a corner on 18 minutes. Danny Glover, son of assistant manager Dean Glover, impressed on the night with a series of jinking runs, and almost levelled for Vale on 20 minutes with a shot that sailed over the bar.

Andy Porter shows he still has it

Vale continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, with Willock and Cardle creating some glorioius chances in the evening sunshine. Carldle the earned a penalty after being tripped in the box by Town's Ryan Dicker. Marc Richard's calmly took the penalty with a cooly taken effort slotted past the keeper on 32 minutes. Vale then pushed on towards the end of the half and were rewarded with a goal from a well worked free kick. Cardle put the ball into the danger area, and Charlie O'Laughlin knocked the ball home to give Vale the lead at the break.

O'Laughlin celebrates his goal in style

Second half started with a change in goal for Vale, as Goodlad was replaced by youngster Lloyd Ransome, who will probably be on the bench Saturday with Goodlad still not fit. No sooner was he on the pitch he was picking the ball out of the net when former Crewe striker Pavel Suhaj headed home on 46 minutes. The game then seemed to peter out and Vale dominated the rest of procedings. Cardle was a constant threat down the left, and gave defender Donneley a torrid time, whipping in cross after cross. Just before the hour mark Richards almost got his hat trick when he met on of Cardles crosses. Cardle was rewarded for a good nights work when he strocked home Danny Glovers cross on 66 minutes, and seven minutes later,Willock was on target to make it five for Vale. After a few subs from both side's Nantwich appeared to tire after their earlier efforts and Vale sub Simon Richman slotted home the sixth on 80 minutes after more good work from Cardle. Then of corse came the challenge on Cardle which led to the player being carried from the pitch, and leaving most fans hoping he will make a speedy recovery.

Cardle rounds off night with a goal

All in all it was a good run out for Vales youngster's and apart from the injury to Cardle, it was well worth the trip. Final score Nantwich Town 3 Port Vale 6.

Port Vale Line Up

1. Mark Goodlad (Lloyd Ransome 45)
2. Shaun Wilson
3. Adam Copeland
4. Andy Porter (James Lawrie 65)
5. Luke Prosser
6. Charlie O'Laughlin
7. Joe Cardle (Luke Chapman 89)
8. Ross Davidson
9. Marc Richards (Simon Richman 75)
10. Callum Willock
11. Danny Glover

Port Vale Vs Shrewsbury Town 4th August

Well it had to happen some time, and better for it to happen today than when the season starts. After an unbeaten pre-season so far, the Shrews provided a much needed sterner test for Martin Foyles men today, and Vale's proverbial 'thorn in their side' ex player Dave Hibbert was again to score against them right at the death to give Shrewsbury the win 1-0 on the day. This was probably the kick up the backside Vale needed a week before the season starts against Bristol Rovers, a team promoted above Shrewsbury last term from League Two via the Play-Offs.
Vale started the game somewhat slowly after the last few games where they began by scoring so early. Shrewsbury looked a strong outfit from the start, and it was soon clear that they would be no pushovers. Luke Rodgers and Akpo Sodje again looked to be forming a great partnership up front. But for a string of outstanding saves from Shrew's keeper Glynn Garner, Vale would of ran out comfortable winners of this game. He made a series of magnificent stops to deny Rodgers, Sodje, Talbot and Whitaker to prevent Vale from scoring for the first time this pre-season. Foyle looked on bemused as his team looked well below par, and were at times second fiddle to the League Two outfit. Vale created most of their best work in the first half, with several efforts almost putting them in front. Luke Rodgers went close after 10 minutes. Sodje met a cross into the area from Mark McGregor. The header mis-directed into the path of Rodgers, whose shot was saved by Garner. Sodje then had two brilliant efforts saved by Garner. The first was a one handed shot, tipped around the post from a Sodje bullet, and the second from a close range header, once again tipped over the crossbar. As the half began to draw to a close Vale grew in confidence and began to show more of their pre- season form, with Tudor and Rocastle both creating chances. Right on half time Vale should of taken the lead but were yet again stopped by another fine save. Paul Edwards played in Jason Talbot but his shot was parried away by Garner into the path of Rodgers, but his effort was again beaten away by the keeper. As is the custom in these games Foyle started to make changes to the team at half time, taking off Edwards and bringing on Robin Hulbert. This changed the formation around to 4-4-2, with Hulbert in the center alongside Rocastle, Whitaker and Tudor on the flanks. Shrewsbury also rang the changes, bringing on four players, including Dave Hibbert, who was give the bird by the Vale supporters. Shrewsbury gained in confidence after the break, mainly due to Hibbert, and he almost created the first goal after only being on the pitch a few minutes. He swung a right wing cross over the Vale back line to Michael Symes, whose effort was tipped away by Anyon.
Vale continued as they had in the first half and should of gone ahead on 51 minutes. A corner from Tudor was powerfully headed down from Keith Lowe and found unmarked Luke Rodgers, but he flicked his header wide from 5 yards out. Foyle changes both his full backs on 61 minutes, bring on Miller and Miles for McGregor and Talbot. Efforts from Whitaker and a couple of goalmouth scrambles followed as Vale started to throw everything at the Shrewsbury goal. Best of the efforts came when Garner again saved a Sodje effort. Hulbert threaded a pass though to Sodje. His effort from 16 yards out was almost perfect, but Garner flung himself to his left and pushed the ball wide.

Vale made a few late substitutions, with Rodgers being replaced by trialist Callum Willock, who looks like being signed this week, and Tudor being replaced by Cardle. Shrewsbury looked to a late rally on the Vale goal and the last ten minutes showed that Vale still have the ability to lose concentration at the end of matches, something which Foyle will want to prevent when the season starts. Miles was booked for a challenge on Darren Moss, and Shrewsbury almost scored from the resulting free kick. Marc Pugh's free kick was met by a Stewart Drummond header and Anyon pulled off a fine save. He was again called into action on 88 minutes, pushing away a good effort from a Jimmy Ryan free kick. The visitors were rewarded for their late rally right on time when Dave Hibbert drifted unmarked into the area to produce a sneaky little goal and give the Shrews an undeserved win.
After the game manager Foyle said " From my point of view this is a great wake-up call. We had some great chances and their keeper was outstanding with six magnificent saves. But I also want clean sheets. I put our taller players on towards the end to give them a run out, but we have to learn to defend better from free kick and corners. We must stop giving away silly free kicks and putting pressure on ourselves. It was a mistake we made last season in that we lost a game we should of drawn. "
Although Vale lost the game, this pre-season has gone almost perfectly. Up front Vale look to of got a great partnership forming in Rodgers and Sodje. At the back Lowe and Pilkington look solid, with McGregor and Talbot looking good for the full back spots, and Miller and Miles able to replace anyone along the back line. Midfield looks the only area likely to give Foyle headaches. Rocastle, Whitaker, Hulbert, Edwards, Harsley, Cardle and Tudor all look to be fighting for spots on the first team, with only Shane Tudor looking definite so far, with another fine display today to add to his great pre-season. Whitaker and Rocastle seem to have done enough in the middle of the park, with Edwards on the other flank. I'm sure that on Tuesday at Nantwich Foyle will answer his final thought to the big kick off on Saturday against Bristol Rovers who will be buoyant after promotion last year, and will be after a good start to their season. Vale yet again start with a game against a promoted side for the third year in a row, and after winning the last two opening days of the season, will want to do the same again this term. We look to have a good squad this season, with places being challenged for from off the bench, and if we can keep injury free who knows what we can achieve.

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. Mark McGreagor (Justin Miller 61)
3. George Pilkington
4. Keith Lowe
5. Jason Talbot (Colin Miles 61)
6. Shane Tudor (Joe Cardle 82)
7. Craig Rocastle (Paul Harsley 72)
8. Danny Whitaker
9. Paul Edwards (Robin Hulbert 45)
10. Luke Rodgers (Callum Willock 74)
11. Akpo Sodje