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