Eckersley Signs For Sinnott

PORT Vale have signed Manchester United left-back Adam Eckersley until the end of the season. The 22-year-old impressed in two games on loan for the Valiants in October before his stay was cut short by a knee injury. His arrival on a free transfer comes on the recommendation of assistant manager Dean Glover, who recruited Eckersley while he was caretaker manager. Eckersley becomes manager Lee Sinnott's third signing, following loan deals for Wolves' midfielder Mark Salmon and Manchester City midfielder Marc Laird.
Eckersley showed quality on his Vale debut at home to Brighton, despite being sent off after 79 minutes for a second yellow card.
His arrival signals Sinnott's determination to make major changes to his squad
Sinnott said: "We are delighted to sign Adam. We need to bring in faces and Adam has a good pedigree."

Port Vale Vs Luton Town 29th December 2007

Port Vale will be happy to say goodbye to 2007, but it is becoming more difficult to make a case for them avoiding League Two football in 2008. This defeat was their ninth in 14 home games this season - a sorry run which includes just two victories. Rock bottom of the table, the lowest scorers in the division and now six points adrift of safety. The outlook could hardly be more bleak as Lee Sinnott tries desperately to transform fortunes in the second half of the campaign. The task isn't beyond a manager who led unfashionable Farsley Celtic to three promotions in four years before taking the job. But even the more drilled and resolute side he has produced has won just two of his 12 games in charge.
Once again, Vale deserved more from this game. But having been denied a win by Walsall's injury-time leveller on Boxing Day, they shipped another point here when Matthew Spring rifled home a superb 92nd-minute free-kick. Hot favourites for the drop, Vale's only realistic chance of survival is if Sinnott can make some inspired signings in the January transfer window. A defender, at least one midfielder and a striker are surely needed for a squad who are giving their all, but lack the quality to claim the 33 points from 23 games they need to reach the likely 50-point safety mark. It is also true that Vale have lacked any trace of luck over their last five games. They should have won at Chasetown, beaten Tranmere and Walsall at home and claimed a draw against Luton.
Only their defeat at Nottingham Forest was merited on the balance of play, but every relegated team will have a dozen hard-luck stories to tell. Sinnott was unfortunate to take charge less than three weeks before loans and transfers were barred at the end of November. The market re-opens tomorrow and he will know that only his wheeling and dealing can save Vale from a return to the basement division for the first time since 1986.
He said: "You have to be positive and not buy into the hard luck stories. But there has to be change. I have tried to steer away from that before January 1 because you don't want to be demeaning to the people here. "But without doubt, we need to change. We will be doing our hardest to change things."
January has long looked like being Vale's best hope, but no one could accuse Sinnott of letting things drift until 2008. He has chopped and changed in search of success and, on Saturday, made his most dramatic team selection since four players were axed and George Pilkington dropped as captain after the home draw with Chasetown on December 2. On that occasion, Luke Rodgers was made captain and led the side out at Leeds. Four weeks on and fortune has turned full circle for the striker who found himself left on the bench for the first time since Martin Foyle left in September. Top-scorer Rodgers has scored 10 of Vale's 22 goals, but only one in his last 12 matches. He at least was able to come on as a 64th-minute substitute, unlike Dave McGoldrick who was left out of the 16-man squad completely. McGoldrick's loan from Southampton runs out after the Cheltenham game on Wednesday. But his chances of playing in that, or having his loan extended, must be slim now.
The changes meant a first start for Danny Glover in a front three alongside Calum Willock and the recalled Danny Whitaker. The two tactical changes up front didn't harm the performance, but the two enforced changes in midfield disrupted the balance of the team. Ankle-injury victim Marc Laird was sorely missed, particularly as captain Paul Harsley had to pull out 20 minutes before kick-off with a sickness bug. Robin Hulbert impressed on his recall, but the midfield trio of Hulbert, Craig Rocastle and Mark Salmon failed to fire in atrocious conditions.
The driving rain merely added to the discomfort, but the swirling wind blew both teams' hopes of slick football off course.
The best spell of the game came from Luton in a 15-minute period just before the break when they should have added to Jaroslaw Fujot's early opener. Dave Edwards was denied by a reflex save from Joe Anyon, and Edwards also saw Anyon and Danny Glover scramble away his 12-yard strike before Glover blocked from Fujot. The defending was more impressive than in the third minute when the visitors were awarded a free-kick on the right and Darren Currie swept the ball into the area. Vale allowed the ball to bounce to the back post where Fujot extracted full punishment with a cleanly struck 10-yard volley which gave Anyon no chance.
Luton deserved to be a goal up at the break, but were pegged back in first-half injury time when Whitaker played in Willock on the right of the area. The striker adorned his 12th start of the season with his fourth goal as he steered the ball past the advancing Dean Brill from the edge of the area.


Vale shaded a scrappy second half in worsening conditions and could have taken the lead on 56 minutes when Hulbert crafted a through-ball to Willock behind the defence.
But the ball bobbled just as Willock was about to shoot and, when he did strike it, Brill slid out to save. The opportunity was the best of the half for either side as Vale's fourth consecutive home draw began to appear inevitable. There didn't seem a huge threat when the Hatters won a free-kick 35 yards out in the 92nd minute. But the ball was touched to midfielder Spring, whose stunning strike aquaplaned off the surface on its way just inside Anyon's left-hand post. Walsall's late leveller could be blamed on poor defending, but on this occasion Vale were denied by the brilliance of the goal. Not that this is much consolation for fans, players or Sinnott as they assess an unpromising position at the foot of League One.
The next month should be Vale's busiest of the season as Sinnott sifts through his list of possibles. Manchester United left-back Adam Eckersley, who was on loan at Vale earlier in the season, and Hull winger Ryan France have both been linked with the club.
Sinnott is determined not to reveal his targets, but accepts it may be difficult to keep them all under wraps. He said: "I am sure there will be loads of names floating about. I was told about Port Vale's corridors of power - they seem to have moving eyes in the pictures.
"I won't comment on any names, but feel free to speculate."

Final Score Port Vale 1 - 2 Luton Town

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot
4. Keith Lowe
5. Mark McGregor
6. Robin Hulbert
7. Craig Rocastle (Paul Edwards 78)
8. Marc Salmon (Luke Rodgers 64)
9. Danny Glover
10. Callum Willock
11. David McGoldrick

Subs Not Used

• Chris Martin
• Mark Richards
• Charlie O'Laughlin

Today's Attendence: 4,224

Man Of The Match: Callum Willock

McGoldrick Ends Loan

David McGoldrick has finished his loan spell and returned back to Southampton. After a decent first performance the striker failed to impress Lee Sinnott enough to retain him any longer.

Port Vale Vs Walsall 26th December 2007

LEE Sinnott appeared almost in pain as he attempted to reflect on this festive kick in the chestnuts from Port Vale’s old rivals. The manager’s positive outlook has been a welcome breath of fresh air in a difficult season. But his own grimace and the sympathetic response from both Potteries and Walsall media turned the press room into a Boxing Day gurning contest. This was a worrying state of affairs for those of us who have come to rely on Sinnott’s air of assurance when the temptation has been to start plotting routes to Barnet and beyond. Thankfully, when he finally broke the silence, it became clear he had been struggling to express his fury at his team’s late defending, rather than any helplessness at their failure to win at home since October.
Sinnott could have taken refuge in a lengthy list of excuses, not least of which was he lost three players injured in the opening 45 minutes against the form team of the division.Instead, he identified his team’s failure to defend properly in injury-time as the decisive moment of this game. That is a fault we can put down to naivety or lack of concentration, but which Sinnott is determined to rectify by the time the Valiants entertain Luton on Saturday.
Vale deserved to win this game and would have done so had they stopped old boy Rhys Weston crossing for Michael Ricketts to head home at the far post in the third minute of injury-time. The goal was even more galling for Sinnott as he had changed from two up front to 4-5-1 in injury-time to make sure the 10-man visitors were shut out of the game.
He said: “We changed it to help the players, so Walsall’s full-backs couldn’t advance to deliver a ball from those positions. But, hey presto, they delivered a ball from that exact position and caught us out with the cross to the far post. “There is no doubting my annoyance and obvious disappointment. “It is about knowing how to win a game. What you certainly don’t let happen is to be caught lopsided or caught too far up front. I think that is exactly what we did allow to happen. “We didn’t need to chase the game. Sometimes if you try to get a second goal when you are 1-0 up you can leave gaps. You can equal out numbers by being a little bit cavalier.”
The fact Vale played well enough to have beaten a side who have now set a club record of 10 away games unbeaten merely made this result harder to swallow. However, when they return to training today, the team should take huge encouragement from the fact they outplayed the Saddlers for all the first half and most of the second. If they can keep to this standard – without the giveaway late defending – then League One safety is not an impossible dream.
But their task has been made tougher for Saturday’s home game by the fact Marc Laird, Jason Talbot and Colin Miles are all expected to be out injured. Talbot has been one of Laird’s few rivals for player of the month for December, so to lose both is a cruel blow. Sinnott at least has options to replace Laird, who was forced off on 36 minutes with an ankle injury after a crude challenge from Ricketts. Robin Hulbert, Danny Whitaker or Craig Rocastle could all start in the centre, although the in-form Laird will be a tough act to follow.
However, Sinnott has greater problems at left-back with both his specialists on the injury list. Talbot was forced out on 35 minutes with a wound above his eye which required stitches. His replacement Miles lasted just 10 minutes before injuring his knee in a challenge on Weston.
At least Vale were a goal up before the disruptions, thanks to the fast-maturing Laird. George Pilkington headed clear a free-kick and Laird swept the ball out to Dave McGoldrick before storming into the Walsall half. The Scot was 30 yards out when he collected the ball back from McGoldrick, but steadied himself before hammering the ball low into Clayton Ince’s right-hand corner.

The goal was Vale’s first in five-and-a-half hours and was enough to subdue Walsall and their 1,800 support for the first hour of the game. Ricketts should have done better than head over Peter Sweeney’s cross on 34 minutes, but that was an isolated scare for a Vale side who showed the most belief and purpose. That was thanks in no small part to Paul Harsley, who has been made captain so Luke Rodgers can concentrate on his own game. Harsley helped control the midfield in the first half before switching to left-back when Miles was forced off.
The injuries didn’t help Vale, but Rodgers and Willock both threatened after the break before the game appeared to have swung decisively their way when Walsall were reduced to 10 men.
Fox had been booked for a 38th-minute lunge on Hulbert, so was playing with fire on 68 minutes when he tried to challenge Calum Willock 30 yards out as the striker burst through the defence. Fox tripped Willock and, as the last defender, could have got a straight red rather than the second yellow produced by referee Phil Joslin. Walsall had little option but to throw men forward and should have levelled on 73 minutes when Ricketts blazed over from 12 yards. But Vale looked capable of exploiting gaps at the back and the result would have been put beyond doubt on 88 minutes had Anthony Gerrard not cleared off the line after McGoldrick’s low cross had been deflected past Ince by Edrissa Sonko. Sinnott then flooded his midfield to stop Walsall sending in quality crosses, so could only watch aghast as Weston’s superb delivery was powered home by Ricketts in front of the gleeful travelling fans. Vale’s supporters swallowed their disappointment to applaud their side off, but Sinnott wants points as well as plaudits. He said: “I appreciate it from the team’s point of view. But it doesn’t hide the disappointment I feel that for 90 seconds we couldn’t keep the bleeding ball out of the net when I did everything I could do to help them. “People will say that, as they were down to 10 men, we should have been bossing the game. But Walsall were going to go gung-ho, and to a certain degree they did. “What do we do? Do we chase a second goal with 90 seconds to go and leave ourselves exposed, or do we play with a bit of savvy? “We didn’t play with a bit of savvy, although I tried to help the players in that aspect. “That is what is annoying and frustrating. This is the first game this season where I would kick the cat, but I haven’t got one.”

Final Score Port Vale 1 - 1 Walsall

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot (Colin Miles 35 > Danny Whitaker 45)
4. Keith Lowe
5. Mark McGregor Booked 11 Mins
6. Paul Harsley
7. Marc Laird (Robin Hulbert 36)
8. Marc Salmon
9. David McGoldrick
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Callum Willock

Subs Not Used

• Chris Martin
• Mark Richards

Todays Attendence: 6,029

Man Of The Match: George Pilkington

Nottingham Forest Vs Port Vale 22nd December 2007

PORT Vale couldn’t have worked any harder to leave behind their FA Cup misery, so are entitled to wonder just how much longer they will be made to pay. That December 11 replay at Chasetown cost Vale a third-round tie and presented an unwanted place in the FA Cup story of the season. But of far greater concern to their League One survival battle is the fact it appears to have nobbled their top scorer.
Luke Rodgers doesn’t need reminding he missed two penalties in the 1-0 defeat at the non-league side. In fact, he has been desperate to make amends in the two games since.
Yet, like Ronnie O’Sullivan suddenly rattling the black against the jaws, or Phil Taylor missing doubles, Rodgers finds his knack in front of goal has temporarily deserted him.
There’s no lack of effort, no lack of work-rate, but maybe Rodgers is trying too hard to make amends, instead of relying on the instincts which have served him so well since his £30,000 move from Crewe 11 months ago. His confidence certainly appears to have been knocked because chances you would have put your house on him converting are now being missed.
The striker is too good a player not to return to form but, in the meantime, Vale are struggling for alternatives after relying so heavily on him.
They suffered here, when he missed their two best chances, and a game they might have drawn was lost to a Nottingham Forest side who swept to the top of the table. “Goalscorers will have spells like that,” said Lee Sinnott after his side slipped a place to second from bottom. “If they scored all the chances they had, they would be on 130 goals a season. He is in one of those spells at the moment, but is getting the opportunities. “He is probably getting two or three a game and, once he gets off and running, he will be banging them in again. The time to worry is when you don’t get the opportunities.”
Rodgers has been at the sharp end long enough to know a centre-forward’s performance will be magnified more than anyones, apart from the keeper. He missed chances in last week’s goalless draw with Tranmere, and did the same on Saturday, but it would be ridiculous to solely blame a player who has probably been Vale’s best performer of the season.
It is not his fault that, when he doesn’t score, no-one else does.
The rest of Vale’s starting line-up on Saturday had mustered seven goals between them – Calum Willock (3), George Pilkington (2) and Dave McGoldrick (2) – so extra firepower is sure to be on Sinnott’s list for the January transfer window. For now, he must hope Rodgers can fire his way back into form because successive home games with Walsall and Luton give Vale the chance to make up ground at the bottom.Saturday’s 13th defeat of the season left Vale three places and three points adrift, but there was enough in this performance to suggest Sinnott can move Vale up the table.
They defended doggedly and have a back four and goalkeeper which look better than relegation material. Paul Harsley and Marc Laird impressed in midfield and the lack of cutting edge was not for want of industry from the front three. Vale haven’t scored in the five-and-a-quarter hours since Simon King’s own goal put them 2-1 up at Gillingham a fortnight ago.
But they have also been cursed by bad luck which saw McGoldrick strike the inside of the post against Tranmere and Laird do the same at Forest. Laird’s moment of misfortune came on 61 minutes when Harsley’s free-kick was headed clear to the edge of the box. The Scot met the ball with a screaming volley which left keeper Paul Smith stranded as it rattled the woodwork before flying across a crowded area and out to safety. Two inches to the left and the effort would have levelled the scores at 1-1 and rewarded a spell of pressure from Vale at the start of the second half.
Rodgers headed just wide from Harsley’s corner on 67 minutes, but their task became mountainous a minute later when Junior Agogo broke on the right of the area and pulled the ball back for the unmarked Lewis McGugan to fire past Joe Anyon from 10 yards.
Vale could still have made a game of it had Rodgers scored when Laird slid him though on goal on 73 minutes. Instead, the top scorer slipped the ball past Smith, but just wide of the right-hand post. The miss was no more agonising than a seventh-minute chance which would have put Vale in front. Harsley picked out Willock on the right of the area and he squared to Rodgers at the back post – only for the striker to snatch wide as the goal beckoned.
Forest made the most of their reprieve to take control of the half – and take the lead on 22 minutes.
Nathan Tyson sped down the right, cut into the area, and crossed for Agogo to tap into an empty net at the back post. There was an element of misfortune about the goal because Jason Talbot was down injured, so the defence was pulled out of position when Tyson sped down the flank. However, Sinnott accepted that Talbot had been felled accidentally and was also dismissive about claims Rodgers should have had a penalty when he was challenged by Wes Morgan after 49 minutes. He said: “I will call it the way I see it and, if that was my defender tackling one of their forwards, I would be extremely disappointed for a penalty to be given.
“That’s just the way I approach things. I do not look through rose-tinted glasses.
“I didn’t think it was a penalty, I thought the player got plenty of the ball.”
Sinnott’s honesty lends credibility to his claim that Vale will climb the table. This was Vale’s third loss at Nottingham Forest in three years, but was hardly unexpected. Their next three fixtures, at home to Walsall and Luton and away to Cheltenham give them a far more realistic chance to clamber out of the drop zone. He said: “I thought we showed Nottingham Forest a little bit too much respect in the first half compared to last week’s performance against Tranmere. “But in the second half you have to say we took the game to them. If we keep doing these things they will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. “I gave the players the option after the game that, if they are going to drop their heads, then to let me know and I will put someone else in. “But I won’t let them because I am looking through the season and what we need to take out of each game. “We are not going to win every game, but I am not saying we will be prioritising games. We go into every one to win.
“The things we are doing in games will help us turn losses into draws and draws into wins when things are going for us.”
Fans can also expect recruits in January to help the players Sinnott feels can turn the tide.
For all his frustration of the last fortnight, Rodgers remains one of the most important players on the books.

Final Score Nottingham Forest 2 - 0 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot (Paul Edwards 75)
4. Keith Lowe
5. Mark McGregor
6. Paul Harsley
7. Marc Salmon (Craig Rocastle 45)
8. Marc Laird
9. David McGoldrick
10. Luke Rodgers (Robin Hulbert 75)
11. Callum Willock

Subs Not Used

• Chris Martin
• Danny Glover

Today's Attendence: 21,407

Man Of The Match: Marc Laird

Westwood Sent Packing

Defender Ashley Westwood has returned to Chester City two weeks before his loan was due to run out at Vale Park. Manager Lee Sinnott has decided to let the central defender go as he looks to rebuild his squad in the January transfer window. Westwood, aged 31, started 13 games for the Valiants after joining them on August 30. However, he lost his place to Keith Lowe after being dropped after the home FA Cup draw with Chasetown three weeks ago.
Sinnott said he needs to make room in his squad for new signings, adding: "Loan players are not expendable, but you can move them on a lot more easily. That is the reason he has gone back, but he also had a little niggle with his Achilles tendon as well."

Port Vale Vs Tranmere Rovers 15th December 2007

After the humiliating defeat midweek by Chasetown, you could be forgiven for thinking the Vale players were not shall we put it mildly, looking forward to this one. All in all in the most part, the reaction from the very few die hard supporters who actually ventured down to watch them was on the whole good, although certain sections of the crowd did vent their frustrations towards Luke Rodgers for missing the two penalties. No one expected to get a result against a side we regularly do poorly against, but the hard work and determination showed today was a huge step in the right direction, and only luck appears to have deserted them at the moment, but you make your own luck don't you?
After being cup tied mid week, David McGoldrick returned up front, and Lee Sinnott named the same line up that won so well at Gillingham last weekend. Vale started well, despite several sections still giving players a hard times to the players, but after weathering the cold and a short spell of Tranmere pressure, Vale showed they may just be turning the corner. Rodgers was his usual bustling self, and had a couple of good efforts saved by the keeper.
Willock then won a free kick on the edge of the area on 26 minutes. It looked as if Rodgers would be the taker, but McGoldrck fired in a beautiful swerving effort that was only denied by the corner of the crossbar. Marc Laird was having a great game as well, and the time he was allowed on the ball showed why those at Man City think he has a bright future. His time on the ball allowed him to create chances and spray the ball around to Willock and Rodgers, who kept the Tranmere keeper busy.


Mark Salmon was also having his best game in a Vale shirt during his loan, and he created a great cross that Harsley met and headed just wide of the goal. A long range effort from skipper Rodgers forced a fine save from Coyne, who had to scramble across goal to push the ball wide on 35 minutes.
Unfortunately a hard knock on Salmon forced him to limp off on 42 minutes and he was replaced by Rocastle, who again had to suffer the crowd giving him a hard time as he returned to the team for the first time since the first match against Chasetown. Despite this the team made it to half time without conceding, and on the whole looking the best team, and as they had played so well the home fans clapped them off at half time, something they would not of expected.

Half Time Score Port Vale 0 - 0 Tranmere Rovers

Vale started the second half with as much passion as they had ended the first half with, and the fan's backing them off the pitch inspired a second half performance that just lack a goal to seal off a great performance. Laird was first to have a shot on 48 minutes, again forcing a good save from Coyne, and shortly after Rodgers had a header blocked from the resulting corner, and then Lowe headed just over as the rebound was fired back in on goal.

As a reputation often precedes players, Jason Talbot was getting a hard time from the Tranmere players, but instead of his anger boiling over, he kept his cool, and let his play do the talking with a fine second half display. He continued to get forward at every opportunity, and had a fierce shot go just wide of the target.

Vale were still the better of the two sides, but Tranmere are a dangerous side, who counter attack well, and they almost got their noses in front against the run of play when Zola went close. But Vale weathered the storm again, and McGoldrick went close with a great shot on 73 minutes. Pilkington has started to become his old self without the pressure of the armband, and he went close with a header from Harsley's free kick on 79 minutes, as Vale began to pressure the Tranmere defence in the final ten minutes.

Sinnott made hie second sub on 82, bringing on Marc Richards for Willock. He got involved straight away with a good through ball that Rodgers fired just over the bar, when it would of been easier to find McGoldrick who was in acres of space. But a few seconds later McGoldrick had a great shot again saved by Coyne as Vale finished the match the stronger side. It was a final shot from the Vale, as they produced a great performance against one of the better sides in the division, and began to erase the cup exit from everyones memory, well at least for a few minutes.

Final Score Port Vale 0 - 0 Tranmere Rovers

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot
4. Keith Lowe
5. Mark McGregor Booked 74
6. Marc Laird
7. Mark Salmon (Craig Rocastle 42)
8. Paul Harsley
9. David McGoldrick
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Callum Willock (Marc Richards 82 Booked 92)

Subs Not Used

• Danny Glover
• Paul Edwards
• Chris Martin

League One Standings

21. Cheltenham: Pl 19 W 4 D 6 L 9 GF 16 GA 28 Pts 18

22. Port Vale: Pl 20 W 4 D 4 L 12 GF 16 GA 29 Pts 16

23. Bournemouth: Pl 20 W 4 D 4 L 12 GF 19 GA 34 Pts 16

Chasetown Vs Port Vale FA Cup Second Round Tuesday 11th December 2007

For the first time this season I am lost for words. No words could describe the embarrassment of your team losing to a team five divisions below you. No words of comfort from the chairman will ease the piss take from people or the national embarrassment that this result has shamed onto our club. From a personal point of view, good luck to Chasetown, you deserve all the plaudits you are getting. But to be fair, any side with an ounce of football knowledge should be able to beat the shower of shit playing for the Vale currently. I have said it before and I will say it again now, this is the worst squad I can remember in my history of being a Vale supporter. The money I have spent following this club adds up to thousands, and if things don't improve very soon, then this will be my last season. The league below is beckoning, and Lee Sinnott, although this is not his squad, has been the unfortunate man in charge as we suffer our most humiliating defeat in the FA Cup ever. The Chairman came out with a half hearted apology on the club website, saying funds will be made available and that things will change for the better given time, well bollocks to time. This club has been through its greatest times while I have supported them. Wembley wins, promotions, great cup runs, brilliant hard working players, and more importantly stability. This current set up from top to bottom is nothing compared to the old set up, and it is the loyal supporters who are now suffering this farce of a team. So as I feel I am too annoyed to write a fair summary of the FA Cup defeat, then I have posted the report from the Sentinel, which I am sure will give a much more user friendly review of our worst defeat ever.

Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott defended his players after they slumped to the club's worst result in living memory at non-league Chasetown last night. Danny Smith's 89th-minute goal gave the British Gas League Midland Division One side a 1-0 victory that sent Vale crashing out of the FA Cup.Chasetown's status four divisions below the Football League makes Vale's defeat even more calamitous than infamous previous cup exits to Scarborough, Canvey Island and Enfield.Chasetown's late winner came after Vale captain Luke Rodgers missed penalties on 47 and 55 minutes.The defeat prompted a minority of Vale's 500 travelling fans to chant 'You're not fit to wear the shirt' - just as they had done after Chasetown's 1-1 draw at Vale Park which prompted last night's second-round replay.The shock defeat continued a miserable season for Vale, who are four points adrift of safety in the League One relegation zone and now out of all the cups.But far from criticising his players, Sinnott believes they will draw strength from their embarrassing cup exit.He said: "I can't fault the players for their commitment, I would like to stress that."You have to ride storms. It is about where we stand at the end of the season."Where we stand on December 11 is an awkward place, but it will make us stronger."Sinnott's priority now is lifting his players for Saturday's crucial home League One clash with Tranmere ... and he hopes there will not be a backlash from disgruntled fans after last night's result.He explained: "We will have to wait and see, but that is football."It was questionable whether they deserved a backlash after the first game last Sunday. But, in my view, they certainly don't deserve a backlash for tonight. If the fans want to react like that then, in my view, that is playing into the hands of Tranmere."The defeat denies Vale a third-round tie at home to Cardiff and the chance of a money-spinning FA Cup run.Sinnott added: "It does hurt at the moment, and we are getting chants about our position in the league, but it is up to us to turn it around."We are moving in the right direction. This is another test of our character which will stand us in good stead."I will put up with short-term barracking so long as I know I am going to get long-term success."The Chasetown manager, Charlie Blakemore, had words of consolation for Vale.He said: "Although Vale had a lot of pressure, my lads worked so hard to restrict them to half chances."You can't fault the Vale players for that or the preparation of Lee Sinnott. But I think we deserve a little bit of credit for holding them."

Port Vale Line Up For The Most Embarrassing Result In Their History

The Name And Shame Hitlist

1. Joe Anyon - Rated as best young keeper in League One, mediocre at best
2. George Pilkington - No where near his former self, needs to focus on his game more
3. Keith Lowe - Donkey
4. Mark McGregor - Just not good enough
5. Jason Talbot - Neglected by Foyle, but a bright spark if he could control his temper
6. Marc Laird - Loan player from Man City, much too good for this club
7. Paul Harsley - Too inconsistent, one week OK next week garbage
8. Danny Whitaker - Should never play for the club again, a disgrace and no footballer
9. Callum Willock - Not good enough, no surprise he was free.
10. Luke Rodgers - Our only bright spark, unlucky tonight. Will leave in January no doubt
11. Mark Salmon - Fish out of water!

Subs

• Chris Martin - Youth keeper who has done nothing wrong yet
• Colin Miles - Apparently most improved in training, although usually useless.
• Marc Richards - A joke. Disgraceful that he earns what he does for doing nothing
• Danny Glover - Never given a chance, but probably because he is not good enough
• James Lawrie - Scores bagfuls in the youth side, worth a try. Not hard to be better than some of the above names.

Gillingham Vs Port Vale Saturday 8th December 2007

Its not often this season that I have been able to say this, but Vale came away from Preistfields on Saturday with 3 vital points that they deserved, and it's a result that lifts them from the bottom of the table. This was Vale's first win at Gillingham since 1958, so they could be forgiven for thinking that a win was not going to be on the cards. But after the fight shown against Leeds United in midweek, this was a Vale team with a point to prove, and not even the atrocious conditions the few faithful fans had to endure was enough to hide the delight at Lee Sinnott's first league win as Vale manager.

Sinnott showed that Vale were determined to take points of the home side by going 4-3-3 for the first time this season, drafting back in one of the 'Chasetown Four', Callum Willock, who had been dropped along with Danny Whitaker,Craig Rocastle and Paul Edwards after the embarrassing cup result last weekend.

There was not much between either side as the game started. Vale had the first effort on goal, with Luke Rodgers firing a free kick into the wall. The Gill's also went close with King heading just wide. Vale were starting to look the more dangerous side as the half progressed. Paul Harsley sent in a great corner which hung in the wind. Willock rose up to head towards the goal, but Royce pulled off a great save to deny him. Then shortly after Salmon was guilty of a bad miss when he received a great through ball from skipper Rodgers, but put the ball wide. Vale began to dominate the game, and both Laird, whose half volley was tipped away, and Rodgers, who hit the side netting twice, almost gave Vale the lead they deserved. But this season we have not had the luck from our possession, and today was no different as the home team hit Vale on the break and went 1-0 up on 33 minutes.

Chris Dixon has starred for Gillingham since his loan move from Charlton, and he raced onto a through ball in the middle of the park. He easily beat Lowe for pace and raced clear to fire past Anyon in the Vale goal. But Vale have found a new found resilience since the Chasetown game, and within a minute they hit back, silencing the home fan's who were still celebrating going in front. McGoldrick played a great ball out to the wing, where McGregor aimed a low cross into the box. Callum Willock launched himself at the ball and headed Vale level with a fine and deserved equaliser. His delight was obvious as he ran to celebrate with the Vale fans who had put him on the rack after the Chasetown game.

As half time approach, Vale had got the edge back on the home side. The three up front was working well, and the team that looked bereft of ideas against Chasetown, was creating chance after chance today. The reward again came right on the stroke of half time. With the home side looking to go in level, McGoldrick raced up the wing and fired in a cross come shot low and towards the on rushing skipper Rodgers. Rodgers didn't have to worry about meeting the cross, as Simon King deflected the ball out of the path of Rodgers and into his own net to put the Vale 2-1 up on 44 minutes.

Half Time Score Gillingham 1 - 2 Port Vale

Vale again carried on the good work from the first half, and Rodgers almost put the Vale further ahead in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Then a great ball from McGregor to youngster Salmon was met and steered past Royce in the Gill's goal, but the shot went agonisingly wide of the post.


As the home side tried to get back into the game, Vale were steadfast in defence, and restricted the home side to a few half chances. As the half wore on the best chances again fell to the Vale, and Gillingham were reduced to hoofing the ball into the Vale box without creating any real pressure for Vale to have to cope with.


Laird got himself in trouble with the ref, after he walked the ball away after a hand ball by Harsley. Not happy with the decision he strode off with the ball, making his feeling's known to the ref, who promptly booked Laird. From the resulting free kick, the home side almost got back into the game, but Millers header flew inches wide of the post.
Vale brought on Whitaker on 76 minutes for the tired Salmon, who had impressed today in his second full game. Dickson then had two good chances to put the home side level. On 79 minutes head tried a overhead kick which just went over the crossbar. Six minutes later he fired a fierce shot at Anyon in the Vale goal, but he saved well to keep the Vale in front.


With Vale desperate to hold on to all three points Sinnott put on an extra defender, with Miles coming on for skipper Rodgers on 88 minutes. Rodgers handed the armband to Pilkington, who having had the armband taken from him after the Chasetown game, has responded by having two of his best performance's for the Vale this season. Vale hung on to pick up all three points and to give Sinnott his first league win as Vale manager, but more importantly with the FA Cup replay on Tuesday looming, this was the perfect way to give the Vale players huge confidence boost going into the tricky tie at Chasetown. As the final whistle was blown the Vale team formed a huddle in the middle of the pitch, a show of unity perhaps, or maybe just the relief at the fact they have finally won a game again.


After the game a delighted Lee Sinnott said " You could tell what that win meant to the players today. When I looked over my shoulder they were still out there huddled together - that wasn't pre-planned. Let's be honest, we have taken a little flak lately, but that doesn't mean we don't care and don't want to do better. I think that showed in the players huddle. They have taken some stick lately, so this one is for them. We don't like the position we are in, and that is not going to change overnight. But the characteristics we showed at Elland road and today will stand us in good stead. "

Final Score Gillingham 1 - 2 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot
4. Mark McGregor
5. Keith Lowe
6. Marc Laird Booked 66
7. Paul Harsley
8. Mark Salmon
9. David McGoldrick (Danny Whitaker 76)
10. Luke Rodgers (Colin Miles 88)
11. Callum Willock

Subs Not Used

• Danny Glover
• James Lawrie
• Chris Martin

Today's Attendance: 7,001

Man Of The Match: George Pilkington

League One Standings

20. Millwall:- Pl 18 W 5 D 4 L 9 GF 17 GA 26 Pts 19

21. Port Vale:- Pl 19 W 4 D 3 L 12 GF 16 GA 29 Pts 15

22. Cheltenham:- Pl 18 W 3 D 6 L 9 GF 15 GA 28 Pts 15

Leeds United Vs Port Vale Tuesday 4th December 2007

Port Vale's players restored a little of their battered pride as they at least made Leeds United work for their victory at Elland Road last night. What fragile confidence the team had left after their Chasetown humiliation could have been obliterated by a Leeds side who had only dropped two points in eight league games at home. However, although United were worthy winners, this game was closer than the scoreline suggests as a hard-working Vale side created enough chances to give their hosts a scare.

The performance was some vindication of manager Lee Sinnott's decision to try to shock his squad into life by making drastic changes. Having replaced George Pilkington as captain and dropped Paul Edwards, Calum Willock, Danny Whitaker and Craig Rocastle from his squad, Sinnott warned he would change and change again until his team started to improve. However, the line-up at Gillingham on Saturday shouldn't be too dissimilar because last night's side didn't let themselves down against the club with the best home record in the division. Sinnott said: "I think everybody will, first of all, concentrate on the scoreline. "But looking at what happened and what surrounded the game as well, I am extremely proud of the players. "It has been a difficult 48 hours from being at home and the reaction of our crowd, maybe understandably. "But just look at the reaction this evening from the travelling support. They knew that the players had given their all and put in a hard shift. Sometimes, you don't get what you deserve in football. "Leeds were extremely clinical, but I just thought the scoreline was a little harsh on us."

The defeat was Vale's heaviest of the season, a statistic which does no justice to their efforts. A look at the league table offers no more consolation as Millwall's win at Leyton Orient means the Valiants are seven points adrift of safety. However, there was enough resolve in last night's performance to suggest the team really did reach rock bottom against Chasetown. Saturday's trip to Gillingham and the replay at the Scholars on Tuesday will test that theory.However, last night's display didn't suggest a side who are prepared to be embarrassed again.

Sinnott added: "I believe, with the characteristics we have shown, they will pick up points, without a shadow of a doubt. "Please understand that I do not expect to come to Leeds United and lose 3-0. One day we will return and hopefully reverse that scoreline. "But we know the differences between ourselves and Leeds on the pitch. They are on a roll and are doing extremely well this season. That was probably epitomised by their clinical finishing."United did have more chances than Vale, although none better than the one Luke Rodgers missed on 26 minutes when Leeds were only 1-0 in front. Justin Miller created the opening with a powerful run and clever pass to Dave McGoldrick, who picked out Rodgers, unmarked, 15 yards from goal.

Vale's 10-goal top scorer has put away much tougher openings, but this time swept the ball just wide of the far post. The opening sparked an encouraging spell for Vale who were the better side in the 20 minutes before the break. But Dave McGoldrick also wasted a chance with a misdirected chip on 31 minutes after getting goal-side of Rui Marques.Rodgers came closer on 40 minutes after racing on to McGoldrick's header, but his lob was held by Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankegren.

Vale had fallen behind on 18 minutes when left-back Andy Hughes was allowed to run from his own half down Vale's right flank and to the byline. His cross to the back post was met by David Prutton, whose powerful downward header beat Joe Anyon at his near post.The goal undid Vale's plans of keeping the game tight with a 5-3-2 formation and hoping the home side, and their 20,000 fans, would become frustrated. The Valiants could have been out of the game within six minutes of the opener, but Jermaine Beckford hit the post on 22 and 24 minutes as Vale held on.

Half Time Score Leeds United 1 - 1 Port Vale

Vale's recovery offered hope at half-time they could snatch something from the game. However, they were lucky to survive on 53 minutes when Matt Heath headed the ball across goal for Beckford, who somehow stabbed wide from six yards.Beckford made amends two minutes later from a much tougher opportunity after Marques played the ball into him on the edge of the area. The former Wealdstone striker turned sharply before sweeping the ball across Anyon and into the far corner. Rodgers almost pulled a goal back two minutes later after scampering on to Paul Harsley's pass in the right-hand side of the area. The angle was not promising, but the striker forced a reflex save from Ankegren with a ferocious volley towards the top corner.

Sinnott changed to 4-3-3 to try to force more openings and Vale had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away when Danny Glover appeared to be hauled down by Marques. However, the more attacking line-up left more space at the back, which Leeds exploited seven minutes from time. Jonny Howson's throw was touched on by Tresor Kandol to Tore Andre Flo on the edge of the area.

The veteran former Chelsea striker showed he hasn't lost his class by smacking an 18-yard volley into the top corner past the helpless Anyon. Flo's flick-on released Kandol two minutes later, but he was denied by a crucial challenge from Jason Talbot. Rodgers could have made the scoreline more respectable on 93 minutes, but snatched a shot well wide after a smart pass from substitute James Lawrie. However, Anyon denied Howson moments later with an excellent block just as the midfielder seemed certain to score from 10 yards.

Final Score Leeds United 3 - 0 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Justin Miller (James Lauwrie 88)
4. Keith Lowe
5. Mark McGregor (Danny Glover 65)
6. Jason Talbot
7. Paul Harsley
8. Marc Laird
9. David McGoldrick
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Mark Salmon

Subs Not Used

• Mark Goodlad
• Luke Prosser
• Ashley Westwood

Today's Attendance: 20,301

Man Of The Match: George Pilkington

Port Vale Vs Chasetown FA Cup Round Two Sunday 2nd December 2007

OK then lets get this one over with. This was, without a doubt, the worst single performance by a Vale team that I have ever had to endure watching. The ugly scenes at the end of the game which saw the players being barracked by the home fans would usually have me angry, as normally it's not always the players fault, but today's inadequate performance has to be laid firmly at their door. This game was not about league placings or relegation worries, it was about showing the Vale fans who have shelled out hundreds of pounds to follow a team of supposed professionals giving back to them the commitment they have been shown. The crowds have been dwindling down now for the last few seasons, as it is getting far to expensive to follow the team, so the fan's who shelled out £19 to watch this pile of crap today were the die hard loyal fans. And how did they get repaid. With a performance that was quite probably the worst I have ever seen a Vale team give. The lack of quality was clear to see, but more worrying for me was the lack of professionalism the players showed before, during and after the match. As the players tried to scuttle off at the end manager Lee Sinnott made them stay on the pitch, not so much to receive the fans abuse vented at them, but more to show them what it means to be a footballer, as the players from Chasetown who have to work all week as well as play at a semi-professional level made them look like the amateurs.

As expected the visitors started the game on the front foot. A series of corners set out how they were going to play, and they were unlucky not to take the lead when Perrow missed. Vale supporters should of known what was to come as the inability to create anything even resembling a shot at the visitors goal became more and more apparent. But as the game began to settle, a gift of a free kick on 18 minutes gave Vale a chance to show the minnows how dangerous league players can be. Edwards was chopped down on the 20 yard line and the ref gave Vale the free kick. Whitaker an Rodgers stood over the ball, and as Whitaker moved away, Rodgers hit a perfect free kick that flew past the keeper inside his left hand post.

With the visitors clearly stunned Vale almost scored a second a minute later when a ball crossed in by Talbot was met with a spectacular overhead kick by Edwards, but the shot went just over the crossbar. As the visitors expected an onslaught by the home side, they seemed content to let the game go into half time only being a goal down, but the onslaught never came, and it was the visitors who grew in confidence and started to create havoc in the Vale defence. As each time Vale started a move, Chasetown got men behind the ball and became increasingly difficult to break down.

With half time drawing closer, the hard working Rodgers created a golden chance for Whitaker, but his inabilty this season showed, as he fired over the bar with nobody around him. The home team was left stunned by what followed in the final minute of the half, and the home players heads began to drop. A free kick awarded to the visitors as Westwood, caught out of position, brught down Perry. Mark Branch took the free kick from 30 yards out on the touchline and curled the ball over the Vale defence and looping ove Joe Anyon into the net to send the 2000 visiting supporters wild and leave the Vale defence looking bewildered. As the half time whistle went, it was the visitors half time team talk that would take on a whole new meaning as Vale looked like a beaten team, and they looked more like the league side. The home fans were starting to fear the worst as the players left the pitch at half time.

Half Time Score Port Vale 1 - 1 Chasetown

The teams appeared form the tunnel for the second half and the visitors looked the more confident of the two, as Vale looked as if they had lost the will to win. The second half was not up to much at all, but what happened in the half was the breakdown of the Vale team as a unit, and the fans, who had showed patience with the team throughout the game, finally broke their silence and turned on the players.

As Vale tried to salvage something from what was turning out to be a dire performance, only Rodgers and Laird were actually trying to create anything during the half. As individual performances go, it's hard to pick out who was worst on the day. Whitaker was probably the worst of the bunch. His inabilty to find a white shirt with a pass, the unchanging and pathetic attempts at corners, and the free kicks that led to, well nothing, topped for me the worst individual performance I have ever seen a Port Vale player give. Rocastle was back to his redundant worst again, with his game appearing to be one of losing the ball as often as possible and then blaming whoever was nearest to him. Willock was marked by a giant of center half, but he was being knocked off the ball far to easily, and the earlier promise he had been showing went out the window today.

Westwood was having a nightmare, being caught in position far to often and leaving huge gaps at the back. Pilkington had probably his worst game, with very few of his passes finding a Vale player. Miller got forward a lot in the second half, but his final ball was woeful every time, leaving us under pressure rather than on attack. Edwards was supposed to be a winger, but although he did recieve some hefty tackles, his inability to be able to beat a part time accountant for pace will be his contribution to the game.

And as the game wore on the tension on the terraces was beginning to build as it looked more and more likely that we were heading for a draw, and a replay. A free kick right on time summed up the game. A Whitaker lined up to take it the Vale had everyone except Anyon in the box, only for Whitaker to place the ball somewhere near the half way line for a Chasetown throw. As this happened the crowd finally turned on the home side, with cries of 'Your Not Fit To Wear The Shirt' being sang by the bitterly disapointed home fans. As the final whistle went, the anger was fully vented onto the players as Chasetown rightfully celebrated the biggest result in their history.

As the players tried to leave the pitch in disgrace, manager Lee Sinnott made them stay where they were to clap the visitors off, but also it may of been so they could hear how angry their lackluster performance had made them feel. Certain of the playes were feeling the full force of the fans anger, and several made their way towards Pilkington, already booed after being made man of the match, and was seen to throw the captains armband on the floor after he was acosted by a supporter. The only player to be clapped off was Luke Rodgers, as he was the only on who had tried.

In all Vale looked woefully inadequate against a team five divisions below them, but the lack of commitment was what turned the fans against them. Bill Bratt even had to come down from the directors box to face the angr fans, and after the match Whitaker had to be escorted to his car as a group of fans waited for him and told him in no uncertain terms to get out of the club.

After the game and the red mist had gone Sinnott had this to say " I can understand the fans frustrations, but some of what went on is illegal, and for very good reasons. I can understant the Chasetown reaction as I can understand the Vale reaction, but it should of been kept in the perimiter. I kept them on the pitch to show them what it means to be a part time player, who work extreemly hard and who will take the oppourtunity if presented to them. As for the crowds chants of them not being fit to wear the shirt, well they are professionals. If the players don't like it they should not be playing the game. It is an understandable reaction to our position at the moment. We are straight into it just 48 hours later. It's now a case of stand up and be counted. We are going to Elland Road with 30,000 Yorkshiremen breating down our necks and its a case of when the going get's tough, the tough have to get going. Lets see who gets going shall we "

Final Score Port Vale 1 - 1 Chasetown

Port Vale Line Up

1. Joe Anyon
2. George Pilkington
3. Jason Talbot
4. Ashley Westwood Booked 49
5. Justin Miller
6. Craig Rocastle
7. Marc Laird
8. Danny Whitaker
9. Callum Willock
10. Luke Rodgers
11. Paul Edwards

Subs Not Used

• Mark Gooldlad
• Mark McGregor
• Paul Harsley
• Mark Salmon
• Danny Glover

Todays Attendance: 5,875

Man Of The Match: Luke Rodgers