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