The Wonder Of P.V.F.C.: 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