The Wonder Of P.V.F.C.

Port Vale Message

2008-05-28T18:37:00.003+01:00

Its been a while folks, and all will be revealed soon, but as you can probably guess, this blog has taken a bit of a break, mainly because well for want of a better word, we were crap last year!
By now you will of gathered we have been relagated to League Two, and we have o build for the future there and try to gain promotion at the first attempt. I will attempt to bring you the rest of the season results and final league placings sometime before next season, and hopefully, next years blog will be a promotion story!

See you all soon

PVFC Forever!

Sinnott Signs Another New Player

2008-01-17T16:57:00.000Z

Port Vale's new striker Tobias Mikaelsson believes he can follow Aston Villa team-mate Chris Herd's example and become a success at Vale Park. Mickaelson, aged 19, became Vale's second loan signing from Villa in eight days when he joined for a month this afternoon. The Swedish centre-forward, who has scored eight goals in 10 appearances for Villa's reserves this season, goes straight into the Vale squad for Saturday's game at League One leaders Swansea. The teenager hopes he can bridge the gap from reserve to first-team football as successfully as Herd after the Australian starred in Vale's 3-1 win over Millwall last Saturday.
Mikaelsson said: "I spoke to Chris about Port Vale and he said good things about the club. That made a big impact on my decision. I think he has shown that he can play at this level. First of all I want to see how I can cope with first-team football here in England. Hopefully I can help the team score goals. I've seen the table and we need a few points to stay in the league."
The Gothenburg-born striker is out of contract at Villa at the end of the season having moved to the Premier League giants from Sweden three years ago. He said: "I am a link-up player. I like to think of myself as an intelligent player, with decent technique on the ball, good movement and a bit of pace. I am quite tall, so that helps as well. I am very pleased to be at Port Vale. I need first-team experience now and I think this is a very good opportunity."
Vale manager Lee Sinnott said: "Tobias is top scorer in Aston Villa's reserves. I have seen him a couple of times, as I had Chris Herd, and he is the right player at the right time for us."
Mickaelson joins three trialists given a chance also by Sinnott this week. He will be joined in training with Alan Smith, Mark Byrnes and Matt Deegan.

Vale Sign Chasetown Duo

2008-01-11T16:53:00.000Z

Port Vale today signed a striker and centre-half from their FA Cup conquerors Chasetown.
Forward Kyle Perry, aged 21, and 23-year-old defender Chris Slater have joined Vale on 18-month contracts for an undisclosed nominal fee. The deals also include "substantial" sell-on clauses. They caught the eye of Vale boss Lee Sinnott when playing starring roles in Chasetown's shock FA Cup victory over the Valiants last month.
Vale chairman Bill Bratt said: "They were impressive in the FA Cup games against us. Both have played for league clubs and we are confident they can make the step back up to this grade."
Perry, a graphic artist who was resigning from his job this afternoon, is a product of Walsall's youth scheme. He signed for Chasetown from Willenhall Town in the summer. He said: "This is a dream come true after being released by Walsall at the age of 19. For a club like Port Vale to come in for us is unreal."
Slater, a block paver, had trials at Tranmere, Blackpool and Walsall on being released by Wolves before joining Chasetown. He added: "It has always been my dream to get back into league football. Hopefully we can help to turn things around and start going in the right direction."

Rocastle Loaned Out

2008-01-10T16:52:00.000Z

Vale midfielder Craig Rocastle has joined League One rivals Gillingham on an initial one-month loan. The 26-year-old has failed to nail down a first-team place at Vale Park since joining on a free transfer from Oldham last summer. His departure should give manager Lee Sinnott more room for manoeuvre as he looks to further boost the Vale squad.

Vale Swoop For Duo

2008-01-09T16:40:00.000Z

Vale today completed a double swoop for 18-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Chris Herd and 25-year-old Scunthorpe defender Dave Mulligan. Herd has joined the League One strugglers on a month’s loan while Vale have taken over Mulligan’s contract until the end of the season.
Herd is highly rated at Villa, where he has been offered a new two-year contract ahead of his current three-year deal expiring in the summer. But he is looking forward to gaining valuable first-team experience at Vale Park, and looks likely to make his senior debut during Saturday’s home game with Millwall. He said: "It is really good to be here and I am looking forward to the chance to play first-team football. I only heard yesterday about Port Vale’s interest, but I was looking to come out on loan. I want to gain some experience here and help get Vale out of the relegation zone."
Herd can play all across the midfield and at right-back, giving Vale boss Lee Sinnott some welcome options. Vale were competing with another League One club and two League Two teams for his signature, but the Melbourne-born player had no doubts about joining Vale.
He added: "Port Vale came in for me first. I had a look at them and decided I wanted to come here. I am up to the challenge and am looking forward to helping them out."
Mulligan, a New Zealand international, is know as a right-back, but can play anywhere in defence. His last game was at the end of a seven-match loan spell for League Two Grimsby Town – a 2-1 home defeat by Chester City on October 2. He has previously played for Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers.

Vale Lose Out On Laird

2008-01-07T16:34:00.000Z

Port Vale's on-loan midfielder Marc Laird is set to sign for Millwall, dashing the Valiants' hopes of landing him on a long-term contract. Vale manager Lee Sinnott says, barring a change of heart, Laird will sign for the Lions today. The news is a huge blow for the manager, who has been impressed by Laird since the 21-year-old Scot joined Vale on loan from Manchester City in November. Sinnott said: "It is 99 per cent certain Marc will sign for Millwall. We did everything we could to get him to sign, that's something his agent has said as well. We made the offer as competitive as we could and put Marc in a quandry by what we offered. We worked damn hard on it, but it seems it is not meant to be. Marc is a lovely lad and I know he was torn. He has enjoyed his time at Port Vale and is the kind of player we are looking to keep in terms of both his age and his ability. But I think we stretched Millwall as far as we can."
An attraction for Laird at Millwall was his former Manchester City coach, Kenny Jackett, is now boss of the Lions. Should he complete a deal at the New Den, Laird could line-up against the Valiants for Millwall at Vale Park on Saturday.

Pair Leave Vale

2008-01-06T16:20:00.000Z

Striker Calum Willock has turned down a new contract at Port Vale to sign for Blue Square Premier Club Stevenage. Vale manager Lee Sinnott revealed the news after watching his side blow a 2-0 half-time lead on their way to a 3-2 defeat at Carlisle this afternoon. Sinnott has also revealed he has decided not to renew midfielder Mark Salmon's loan from Wolves.

Willock's departure, after five months at Vale, makes signing a striker even more of a priority for Sinnott. He said he was keen to keep the former Brentford hit-man at Vale Park, but the deciding factor was Willock's desire to be nearer his family in the south. Willock, who has been on a short-term deal at Vale since August, decided to turn down a new 18-month contract because he wants to be closer to his three-year-old daughter in London. The striker said his decision was no reflection on Vale or Sinnott, but he felt he had to put his daughter first. He said: "I have enjoyed playing for Vale and scoring goals. But in the six months I have been here I have only seen my daughter three times, and I didn't see her over Christmas. I had to consider that, if I did sign, I would have been away for another 18 months. Myself and her mother are not together, if we were then perhaps we could have worked out some arrangement. I just want to be there more often. She is three-and-a-half and it is an age I don't want to miss."

Carlisle United Vs Port Vale 5th January 2008

2008-01-05T15:04:00.000Z

Lee Sinnott sets great store by statistics but, for the sake of his sanity, shouldn’t dwell on the fact his team are now Vale’s worst since three points for a win was introduced 27 years ago.
The previous holders of the dubious honour were the class of 1983-84, who were relegated from League One (then Division Three) after new boss John Rudge failed to halt a slide which had started under John McGrath. That side, remarkably, managed only six points before Christmas. However, a mid-season rally lifted them to 19 points from 25 games, two better than the current squad have managed from the same number of matches. It is becoming ever harder to believe this team won’t share the fate of the 1983-84 side and end the term with relegation to the basement division.
Sinnott is planning major changes by January 31, but being nine points adrift with more games played than their rivals is fast making his task mission impossible. There would have been at least some reason for hope had they claimed a win, or even a point, from Saturday’s trip to promotion-chasing Carlisle after leading 2-0 at the break. The manner of the defeat was cruel to the Vale faithful, particularly as their side also blew a two-goal lead on their way to a 3-2 defeat in this fixture last season. Back then, the possibility of relegation was merely a cloud on the horizon. A year on and Vale are getting soaked to the skin. However, their failure to win is not for want of trying.

Sinnott was tearing his hair out at the defending, but resisted the temptation to single out individuals. He said: “The easiest thing I could have done over the last nine weeks or so is come up to you gentlemen, or say in the dressing room, ‘you are a *^!@**! and you have cost me the goal. It is the easiest thing in the world to do, I have been there and been on the other side of the fence. “Players know when they make mistakes, and I knew when I had made a mistake. “But it is counter-productive for a manager to come in and say ‘I am big and hard’. It has always been expected in football to say to a player, ‘right, you are the problem, you have cost me and cost everyone else’. “No. It is about knowing how to win games and set up a winning mentality. To set up that mentality, a manager can’t make it ‘me, me, me’, which means ‘I didn’t make a mistake’, he is the problem and he cost us.
“Successful teams are all in it together. They have an ethos which is a bit like the Three Musketeers – ‘one for all and all for one.’
There wasn’t much of the Three Musketeers about Vale’s second-half collapse, although there was a certain swashbuckling manner about the way they played for 15 minutes or so after taking the lead through Paul Harsley on 28 minutes.

Despite having the wind in their favour, Vale had started nervously, but seen Carlisle blow their only clear chance of the half, on 24 minutes, when the unmarked Danny Graham planted a six-yard header wide. Vale made them pay with their first dangerous attack as Mark Salmon wriggled free before playing in Adam Eckersley down the left. He crossed beyond the back post where the ball was heading for a goal-kick until Danny Glover acrobatically hooked it back across goal. Keeper Kieren Westwood was stranded and Harsley did the rest as he swept home from two yards. Like a shy teenager snogged by the prom queen, Vale’s confidence rocketed as they began to believe they weren’t there just to make up the numbers.
They started to pass the ball around and, although their second goal flattered them on the balance of the half, no-one could argue with its quality. Jeff Smith’s corner was hammered clear to Mark Salmon on the right of midfield and he held off his marker before sending a 40-yard crossfield ball over the last defender and into Danny Whitaker’s path. The midfielder stepped around the keeper before drilling the ball, left-footed, inside the post.

The two-goal lead was all the more remarkable as Vale had only one fit senior striker, Glover, who played as a lone striker with Whitaker just behind in a 4-5-1 formation. However, the scoreline didn’t save them from a half-time rocket from Sinnott. He said: “I had a go at my players at half-time. We found ourselves 2-0 up, but I thought we were fortunate to be in that position. “But I said to them, ‘maybe because of the way games have gone lately, you are getting your bit of luck’. But I said, ‘if you perform in the second half in the way you did in the first, you will lose this game’.”
He didn’t take any pleasure in being proved correct, particularly as his prediction began to come true just five minutes after the break when Zigor Aranalde’s long throw was flicked on at the near post for substitute Luke Joyce to bundle over the line. Vale did have a chance to go 3-1 up, on 57 minutes, when Salmon slid the ball through to Glover, but the striker over-ran the ball enough for Westwood to make a brave save. Glover was soon joined up front by a fellow 18-year-old as Sinnott threw centre-half Charlie O’Loughlin into the attack for the final 26 minutes. However, the switch had no time to work as, within a minute, Graham walloped a long ball from just inside his own half and Simon Hackney got goal-side of Mark McGregor.
The ball sat up for the former Nantwich forward, who crashed a volley past Joe Anyon from 16 yards.
Sinnott said: “I thought Charlie would help us from corners, but it was more from open play, so that hopefully the ball wouldn’t keep coming back. That was the last thing we wanted, especially as they had the wind, as we did in the first half. “We wanted him to be more of a physical presence up there, but, let’s face it, the second goal was a long punt from 50 yards. “Their player got behind us and, bang, it was 2-2.”
Carlisle’s winner, four minutes later, wasn’t much more complicated as Joe Garner gathered the ball on the right before sending over a deep cross. Hackney was unchallenged to meet the ball with a left-foot volley, and made no mistake as he hammered the ball back across goal and inside Anyon’s far post from 14 yards.
That appeared to be game over, but Vale rallied and could have snatched a late equaliser on 80 minutes when O’Loughlin met substitute Craig Rocastle’s inswinging free-kick with a glancing header which was turned over by Westwood. The youngster came even closer five minutes from time when he rose to meet McGregor’s cross and sent a header wide, from 12 yards, with Westwood beaten. A narrow defeat away to a side who have won nine of their 11 league home games is no disgrace. However, Vale’s second-half ordeal was more evidence of the problems Sinnott faces.
A look back in the history books does offer some encouragement as the 1983-84 relegation side spent only two years in the basement division before claiming promotion under Rudge and then reaching the Championship in 1989. Those are high standards for Sinnott to try to match. At least the possibility offers some hope in the depth of Vale’s bleakest season in years.

Final Score Carlise United 3 - 2 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot (Charlie O'Laughlin 64)
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor
Adam Eckersley
Marc Salmon (Joe Cardle 77)
Paul Harsley (Craig Rocastle 77)
Robin Hulbert
Danny Glover
Danny Whitaker

Subs Not Used

Chris Martin
James Lawrie

Todays Attendence: 6,413

Man Of The Match: Marc Salmon

Goodlad Retires

2008-01-02T16:05:00.000Z

MARK Goodlad will make a final appearance at Vale Park after announcing his retirement today. The 28-year-old goalkeeper will make an emotional farewell to fans by going on the pitch before the home game with Millwall on Saturday, January 12.
The keeper has been forced to quit football after failing to recover from an Achilles injury he suffered away at Bristol City in December, 2006, which has sidelined him since. But after making 247 appearances for Vale in his eight years at the club, he wants his to show his appreciation to the supporters.
He said: “I have had loads of support while I have been injured and have always had a good relationship with the supporters. I will be there to say goodbye and thanks.”
Goodlad has decided against further surgery as specialists were not convinced another operation would save his career. A scan three weeks ago showed the injury has not healed properly, leaving Goodlad to reluctantly retire.
He said: “When I got the MRI results, I sat down with the physio and my family to discuss it. It came down to whether I was comfortable having another operation. I had already tried to come back from one and the surgeon couldn’t tell me another would work. It was a very difficult decision to make. I had a lot of things to assess, but had to look at what was best for me in the long term.”
Vale manager Lee Sinnott said: “Mark has given it a good shot. He has thought about the equation and he has come up with an answer he feels settled with. That is what I have said to him – regardless of anyone else, you have to feel settled with the decision you make.”

Cheltenham Town Vs Port Vale 2nd January 2008

2008-01-02T14:47:00.000Z

Lee Sinnott could not have been less impressed when the match video was thrust into his hands before his press conference in the Whaddon Road visitors’ dug out.“I’ve seen it all before,” he said, “about 10 times”. The same surely goes for Vale’s 212 travelling supporters who have suffered the same tired old script against Tranmere, Walsall and Luton in the last 18 days.

To summarise: Vale battle hard, Vale miss chances to win, Vale slip further into the mire. The only addition to this re-run was an injury crisis which would have included Sinnott had the manager succumbed to the temptation to repeatedly bang his head on the dug out roof.He is fed up of the hard luck stories, and knows supporters feel the same.“People don’t want to hear this, they want a change in fortunes,” he said.“It is about keeping the faith, but I am as frustrated as I ever have been in my life. I am not being flippant, I will look at it extremely candidly and I will not look at the situation through rose-tinted glasses. “If I may be honest, and Cheltenham won’t appreciate me saying this, I thought there were two poor teams on show this evening. They were two teams who looked where they are.”

This win lifts Cheltenham to within five points of safety, but having seen them home and away, it is hard to believe they will find four worse teams in this division.The same applies to Vale who know they aren’t at the foot of the table after 24 games because of outrageous bad luck. That said, Sinnott’s side should have at least taken a point last night, even without injury victims Marc Laird, Jason Talbot, Luke Rodgers and Calum Willock.But the manager is under no illusions that more reinforcements are needed if his team is to have any chance of hitting the play-off form they now need to get out of trouble.

He said: “The main priority is to get the right players on the pitch. We do have a bit of an injury list and that has been added to. “There is work going on behind the scenes to bring players in, but I can appreciate the frustration, not just to myself, but to the people who have travelled down from Stoke to support Port Vale in the first game of 2008.“They will be travelling back disappointed and wondering, as I am, when it is going to turn.“We have to get the right personnel out on the pitch and take it from there. It is attracting the right kind of people, and people wanting to come to Port Vale. There is a lot of work to be done.”

A measure of Sinnott’s problems was that he ended the game with 18-year-old centre-half Charlie O’Loughlin playing as an emergency centre-forward on his first-team debut.Luke Rodgers’s knee problem and Calum Willock’s hamstring strain may have eased by Saturday’s trip to Carlisle, but Sinnott will be without Mark Richards, who was stretchered off with ankle damage 22 minutes from the end.The striker didn’t have a long history of injuries when he came to Vale Park, but has been plagued with them since. His agony last night was shared by the Vale staff who had seen him be their best player until he was forced off.“I thought he had done very well,” added Sinnott. “I can bracket him into a bit of a Mark Hughes in that he has a little bit of everything.“You want to get those kind of players out on the pitch and yet he plays for the first time in a few weeks and is carried off with 20 minutes to go.“I don’t know if there is a gypsy curse on us at the moment, but we could do with finding out.”

Cursed or not, Vale had the misfortune to face an inspired performance from Cheltenham keeper Shane Higgs, who was easily the game’s outstanding player.However, the 30-year-old was stranded on 22 minutes when a Vale corner pin-balled around the area before it was hammered away. The ball broke down Vale’s left where Steven Gillespie rode two challenges on his way into the area before crossing low for Paul Connor to sweep the ball past Joe Anyon.

Cheltenham could have doubled their lead within a minute after Gillespie turned sharply in the area, but saw his low strike from 12 yards brilliantly pushed away by Anyon.Vale rallied and were denied a leveller when Justin Miller’s 25-yard strike was denied by a flying stop from Higgs on 35 minutes.They came closer on 39 minutes when Miller’s cross from the right was allowed to run by Richards to Danny Whitaker, whose drive was brilliantly turned away by the keeper.That save was matched on 45 minutes when Richards met Danny Glover’s deep cross with a header back across goal which was destined for the inside of the post before Higgs pushed the ball away.Richards’s performance deserved a goal, but instead he got a stretcher on 68 minutes when he fell awkwardly after challenging Higgs for Mark Salmon’s cross.With no strikers on the bench, Richards’s departure meant a return for Joe Cardle, fresh from his five-month loan at Clyde. He was used on the left wing, Mark Salmon on the right, and Danny Whitaker pushed up front to partner Danny Glover. The patched-up side almost levelled on 72 minutes when Cardle’s low 20-yard strike was pushed out by Higgs to Glover. The striker fired goalwards from six yards, but was thwarted by a block from veteran left-back Alan Wright.Vale had little option but to gamble, and so Miller made way for O’Loughlin on 82 minutes as the young defender was thrown up front. He didn’t do a bad job, but Vale were exposed at the back on 93 minutes when Keith Lowe lost possession and Andy Lindegaard played Gillespie through on goal. The striker must have thought he had scored from 12 yards, but was denied by a tremendous one-handed save from Anyon. That gave Vale a second chance which they almost took a minute later when Salmon drilled the ball hard and low through a crowded area. The ball zoomed to Glover who deflected it goalwards from six yards, only to be denied yet again by Higgs.The save will be remembered as crucial if Cheltenham stay up at Vale’s expense on the last day of the season. A more realistic prediction is both these teams are going down unless they make major changes over the next month.

Final Score Cheltenham Town 1 - 0 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington Booked 11 mins
Adam Eckersley
Justin Miller (Charlie O'Laughlin 82)
Keith Lowe
Paul Harsley
Marc Salmon
Robin Hulbert
Danny Glover
Mark Richards (Joe Cardle 68)
Danny Whittaker (Craig Rocastle 86)

Subs Not Used

Chris Martin
Luke Prosser

Todays Attendence: 3,221

Man Of The Match: Paul Harsley

Eckersley Signs For Sinnott

2007-12-31T16:11:00.000Z

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

2007-12-29T14:29:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor
Robin Hulbert
Craig Rocastle (Paul Edwards 78)
Marc Salmon (Luke Rodgers 64)
Danny Glover
Callum Willock
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

2007-12-27T16:15:00.000Z

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

2007-12-26T14:09:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot (Colin Miles 35 > Danny Whitaker 45)
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor Booked 11 Mins
Paul Harsley
Marc Laird (Robin Hulbert 36)
Marc Salmon
David McGoldrick
Luke Rodgers
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

2007-12-22T13:54:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot (Paul Edwards 75)
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor
Paul Harsley
Marc Salmon (Craig Rocastle 45)
Marc Laird
David McGoldrick
Luke Rodgers (Robin Hulbert 75)
Callum Willock

Subs Not Used

Chris Martin
Danny Glover

Today's Attendence: 21,407

Man Of The Match: Marc Laird

Westwood Sent Packing

2007-12-20T16:09:00.000Z

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

2007-12-17T18:48:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor Booked 74
Marc Laird
Mark Salmon (Craig Rocastle 42)
Paul Harsley
David McGoldrick
Luke Rodgers
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

2007-12-14T19:14:00.000Z

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

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

2007-12-10T18:50:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Mark McGregor
Keith Lowe
Marc Laird Booked 66
Paul Harsley
Mark Salmon
David McGoldrick (Danny Whitaker 76)
Luke Rodgers (Colin Miles 88)
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

2007-12-08T14:26:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Justin Miller (James Lauwrie 88)
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor (Danny Glover 65)
Jason Talbot
Paul Harsley
Marc Laird
David McGoldrick
Luke Rodgers
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

2007-12-03T19:37:00.000Z

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Ashley Westwood Booked 49
Justin Miller
Craig Rocastle
Marc Laird
Danny Whitaker
Callum Willock
Luke Rodgers
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

Port Vale Vs Doncaster Rovers Saturday 24th November 2007

2007-11-26T18:23:00.000Z

Let's not beat around the bush here this was crap, the second half performance was from a team that seems destined to be in League Two next season. The weekly collapsing defence appears to have returned again after it had seemed the corner had been turned. Even the deduction of 10 points for Luton Town after they were put into administration could not stop Vale from finishing the weekend on the bottom of League One, four points from safety, and appearing to be on a self destruct mission this season. This was the seventh defeat in ten home games this season, and with the ever looming Christmas and New Year heavy fixture list almost upon us, the team needs to get its act together very soon, or the inevitable result from these kind of performances will result in relegation.

The first half could not of started any brighter for Vale. From the off Vale got stuck into the visitors with some hefty challenges to break up their passing rhythm, and from the first attack on the Rovers goal a corner resulted in Vale taking the lead. Harsley had already put in a good cross for a corner just knocked out by a Doncaster defender for another one for Vale. This time the ball was met by Pilkington just on the six yard line and fired past keeper Sullivan to make it 1-0 on 10 minutes.

Vale continued to press and Harsley was picked out by Richards after a good passing move by Vale but his shot went high over the crossbar. Doncaster eventually gave Vale something to think about on 18 minutes when a powerful shot from Hayter produced a diving save from Anyon. As the visitors tried to gain a foothold in the game, the battling performance from Vale had them almost camped in the Doncaster half.

Harsley was not put off from his miss and was a real threat in the midfield. He helped Vale in winning most of the 50-50 balls, and some creative work led to Rocastle and Laird going close for the home side. Willock was also proving to be a thorn in the Doncaster defence, and a powerful run led to a great ball through to Rodgers, who forced a good save from Sullivan. For one of the first times this season the team went off at half time looking confident and in control of the match, and Sinnott would have nothing but praise for his players after the visitors were kept at bay with a good hard working performance. What could possibly go wrong?

Half Time Score Port Vale 1 - 0 Doncaster Rovers

If Lee Sinnott has learned anything today it will be not to underestimate how games can change from one half to the next. From one of the best first half performances of the season to one of the worst. Doncaster came out for the second half on a mission. Vale had been hard but fair in their approach in the first half, and when the visitors played them at their own game they crumbled like a house of cards in a spell that left the home fans reeling. Former Vale loanee James O'Connor should of helped level things from almost the first kick of the half when a pass left Guy unmarked with only Anyon to beat, but he appeared stunned at his opportunity, and fired wide when it seemed easier to score. The home fans breathed a huge sigh of relief in unison, but worse was to come.
O'Connor was proving to be a problem, and another great ball to Guy left him again in the clear and able to shoot at goal unmarked, but again his effort went wide and left Vale hanging on to the lead. Six minutes later the same two players combined again, this time with Guy hitting the net with a header to level the score on 59 minutes. Vale tried to step up the pressure again, but it was Doncaster who took the lead after some woeful defending. Westwood was to blame for losing his man on 68 minutes, when Hayter ran clear past him after a great ball from Wellens before sliding the ball past Anyon.

Almost immediately Sinnott took off Willock and replaced him with Edwards to try and create some width to the play. But with the three points in the bag Doncaster were in no mood to concede again, and Vale struggled to get hold of the ball, with the midfield looking inept and unable to do the simplest of tasks, like passing to team-mates, of winning tackles, which they had done so well in the first half.

With the clock ticking down Sinnott threw on Richards for the tiring Harsley. But as Richards was jogging to get into position, Wellens raced past the Vale defence to latch onto Coppingers long ball before sweeping the ball past Anyon to make it 3-1 on 81 minutes. The game was all but over when Sinnott brought on new loan signing Salmon for Laird on 88 minutes, and the only thing left was for a rather tame header from Richards that Sullivan saved with ease right on time.

A rather downbeat Sinnott said after the match " It was maybe a fair result as we made error's and contributed to our own downfall. You can't afford to do that, it really is back to basics now. I've had a chat with the players and we have to move on from here, I didn't expect to walk into the job and for every week be completely positive. You will take knocks. We have taken one today and its up to us as a group to stand up and be counted and rectify it. " When asked about how recent comments about how certain players had received barracking's from certain sections of the crowd at home Sinnott responded by praising the fans for the recent backing of the players in recent matches. He said " Looking at the job coming in, we have had two good away performances at Morecambe and Oldham. We also performed well against Crewe, although we didn't get the result. I am going to have to get psychological when we play at Vale Park. That is not aimed at the supporters as they have been magnificent. It would of been easy for then to of been more vociferous, in a negative way, after how Doncaster took control of the game. It is important to get into the minds of the players a little bit with their attitude to playing at home. If you lose so many games at the start of the season you are going to have a negative mindset. It is my job to get that out of their system as soon as possible. "

Final Score Port Vale 1 - 3 Doncaster Rovers

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Ashley Westwood
Mark McGregor
Craig Rocastle
Marc Laird (Mark Salmon 88)
Paul Harsley (Marc Richards 80)
Callum Willock (Paul Edwards 69)
Luke Rodgers
Danny Whitaker

Subs Not Used

Mark Goodlad
David McGoldrick

Today's Attendance: 4,581

Man Of The Match: Marc Laird

League One Standings

22. Bournemouth: Pl 17 W 3 D 4 L 10 GF 16 GA 29 Pts 13

23. Luton Town: Pl 17 W 6 D 4 L 7 GF 19 GA 20 Pts 12 (Deducted 10 Pt's)

24. Port Vale: Pl 17 W 3 D 3 L 11 GF 14 GA 25 Pts 12

Oldham Athletic Vs Port Vale Saturday 17th November 2007

2007-11-19T19:25:00.000Z

A tough match for Vale as the reign of Lee Sinnott continues to look as if the corner has been turned for Vale this season. In fact this performance was a mile away from the Vale team that Sinnott inherited that collapsed so readily at Huddersfield, Orient and Luton this season. In fact this was the first time this year that Vale have gone behind in a game and come out of it with anything at all, so in that sense this was a big improvement.

After last weeks FA Cup win at Morecambe, Vale kept the faith with goalscorer Callum Willock. Back into the team came Ashley Westwood, with Keith Lowe reverting back to the bench. Vale started off the game in a positive mood and Luke Rodgers fired just wide with 60 seconds just about on the clock to show Oldham they meant business today. The good attacking form continued when a corner came in and was headed just over the bar from Willock.

Oldham had Lee Hughes in their line up today, and the ex West Brom player was looking on form as he had Oldham's first effort on goal after 16 minutes. He stooped to knock in a low header past the stranded Joe Anyon into the net, but the effort was adjudged to be offside by the linesman. Hughes was beginning to cause the Vale back line problems, and he set up Davies for an effort that went just wide. But the pressure from the home side paid off on 23 minutes when Taylor whipped in a cross that was met by Davies who headed the ball past Anyon to put the home side 1-0 up.

This is the time in recent games when Vales resolve has crumbled and they have gone on to concede a couple more, but Sinnott has instilled a bit of steel into the team and with determination Vale found themselves back on level terms within nine minutes. Vale had been pressing for an equaliser when Laird fired in a great ball towards Callum Willock, who turned and volleyed the ball past Mark Crossley in the Oldham goal in one movement. It was a spectacular goal from the front man who has now scored two in two games, and looks like he has settled into the new regime with a new determination to earn himself an extension to his contract which runs out in January.

Vale almost led at the break as they pilled the pressure on the Oldham goal. Paul Edwards fired in a cross met by Luke Rodgers, whose shot was pushed around the post by Crossley. The Vale seemed to be boosted by the spectacular goal, and went into half time the better of the two sides, and for once level after falling behind.

Half Time Score Oldham Ath 1 - 1 Port Vale

Vale kept Oldham waiting on the pitch for the start of the second half, but the delay seemed to fire the home side up as they started the half the brighter of the two sides. But Vale soon found themselves back in the groove they had ended the first half with.
Rodgers was his usual troublesome self, and won a free kick just outside the 18 yard box, which he took himself and forced Crossley into another fine save. Vale were playing some good football and Oldham were struggling to gain any possession of the ball, but Vale were not really creating any chances when they should of been stepping up the gears and taking on a side that appeared to be much worse than they were. They best chance fell to Willock again, whose looping header had Mark Crossley looking on as it bounced of the top of the crossbar and over.

Sinnott decided to build on the momentum, taking off Edwards and replacing him with McGoldrick, meaning Vale attacking with three up front and without us being behind, unheard of in previous weeks. A small scare for the team came when Davies almost put the home side ahead on 70 minutes with a shot from close range that went wide.

With full time getting nearer, Sinnott made a second change on 75 minutes, bringing on Lowe for Rodgers and pushing McGoldrick further forward and pushing Talbot to a more attacking role on the left of the midfield. This gave Vale more opportunities to grab a winner with McGoldrick and Willock both going close. In a final change Vale brought on Richards for the tiring Willock on 85 minutes, but it was the home side who were piling on the pressure with Smalley going close for the home team. With the final whistle looming Vale almost snatched a late winner as Richards went agonisingly close. He turned Trotman in the Oldham defence and steadied himself for the shot. His effort beat the onrushing Crossley in the goal, but his shot hit the foot of the post and came back into the path of a defender who hoofed the ball away to safety. Vale had worked hard for this point, and although the result still leaves them in the relegation zone, they are looking more like a team that will not be going down, and surely it is only a matter of time before they start to turn pressure into win's.

After the match Lee Sinnott had this to say of the performance " What they gave me was an extremely gutsy performance. That will do for me and stands us in good stead for the rest of the season. You can't play great football and build the play all the time, not every game is the same. We played better football against Crewe, but this time we got a point. It is about building blocks in my view. Its about adding to what this squad is capable of. They have added a brick that you could call 'guts' and I am pleased with them in that aspect. The idea behind the tactical changes was to take us over the finishing line. Although Oldham had more play than us in front of goal, I felt we had the lesser of two evils, and they looked less likely to score than our effort that nearly gained us all three points at the end of the match. "

Final Score Oldham Ath 1 - 1 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Mark McGregor
Ashley Westwood
Danny Whitaker
Craig Rocastle
Marc Laird
Callum Willock (Marc Richards 85)
Luke Rodgers (Keith Lowe 75)
Paul Edwards (David McGoldrick 67)

Subs Not Used

Mark Goodlad
Paul Harlsey

Today's Attendance: 5,097

Man Of The Match: Callum Willock

League One Standings

22. Millwall: Pl 16 W 3 D 4 L 9 GF 14 GA 25 Pts 13

23. Port Vale: Pl 16 W 3 D 3 L 10 GF 13 GA 22 Pts 12

24. Cheltenham Town: Pl 16 W 2 D 6 L 8 GF 14 GA 26 Pts 12

F.A. Cup Second Round Draw

2007-11-19T18:35:00.000Z

After the all important First Round win the even more important Second Round draw comes around very quickly, and as long as you get a home tie in this round, you have every chance of getting through this round and maybe pulling the big one out of the hat in the Third Round. So I'm sure that Lee Sinnott and the boy's were all sitting with baited breath to see who they will face in this round. So here is the draw in full. Note that some of the fixtures will change due to First Round replays.

Oxford United Vs Southend United
Swindon Town Vs Forest Green or Rotherham
Oldham or Doncaster Rovers Vs Crewe
Darlington or Norhampton Town Vs Walsall
Cambridge United Vs Weymouth
Millwall Vs Barrow or Bournemouth
Stockport County or Staines Vs Peterborough United
Bradford City Vs Tranmere Rovers
Torquay United Vs Cheltenham Town or Brighton
Notts County Vs Havant & Waterlooville
Dagenham & Redbridge Vs Kidderminster Harriers
Port Vale Vs Chasetown
Leyton Orient or Bristol Rovers Vs Rushden & Diamonds
Huddersfield Town Vs Carlisle United or Grimsby Town
Burton Albion Vs Barnet
Bury Vs Exeter City
Luton Town or Brentford Vs Lincoln City or Nottingham Forest
Horsham Vs Swansea City
Hereford United or Leeds United Vs Hartlepool United
Harrogate Railway Vs Mansfield Town

All ties to be played 30 November and 1 & 2 December.

So Port Vale have been handed a great chance to progress to the Third Round being drawn at home to Chasetown. The plucky little non-league team have never been this far in the competition before, and they gave Oldham a scare in 2005 in the First Round when they earned a replay. This should be an easier task for Vale as new manager Lee Sinnott is freshly plucked from the Non-League and will know exactly the mentality of his counterparts. His knowledge should give Vale the advantage, but a large following is expected from Chasetown as they are close in terms of distance (less than 30 miles) and in 2005 they took over 2500 to a midweek replay to Oldham. Should be a great atmosphere at Vale Park on December 2nd, and Vale will be hoping they don't fall foul of the giantkillers in this tie, and maybe become giantkillers themselves in the next round!

Morecambe Vs Port Vale FA Cup 1st Round Saturday 10th November 2007

2007-11-12T18:18:00.000Z

The road to Wembley starts here for the eighty teams in the first round proper today, and of course nobody expects any of the teams that start their FA Cup campaign today to still be in the competition much longer than January anyway, let alone for a final date at the new Wembley Stadium in May......

But you can dream, and in the FA Cup the dream for the majority of the teams in the first and second round is to get to the third round and pull out the plumb tie against Man United or Chelsea, and set the financial worries of being in footballs lower echelons to rest for another year. Today for Port Vale the game had another more pressing reason for wanting a victory. Lee Sinnott in his second match in charge was looking for his first victory as manager, and the players were looking for revenge after the embarrassing defeat on penalties a few weeks ago in the Johnson's Paint Trophy here, which left the team being described as nothing more than a pub side by then caretaker manager Dean Glover. All thoughts of a glamour tie had to be put to rest today as first and foremost a victory was needed.

The team was changed around from Tuesdays defeat to Crewe, some enforced, some due to injury. McGoldrick was withdrawn as Southampton didn't want him Cup Tied, Willock replaced him with Richards still not fit. Also Keith Lowe started due to Westwood having a slight hamstring pull. And new loan signing Marc Laird was thrust into the line up as well. But the biggest surprise by Lee Sinnotts team selection was the inclusion of 16 year old youngster James Lawrie from the youth team on the bench.

Vale started with purpose from the off, and Morecambe were stretched from Vale's first move as Willock blasted a shot over the bar. The home side were on the back foot again as Rodgers raced onto a pass from Laird, and he was brought down by Sorvel just outside the area. The resulting free kick was sent in by Whitaker towards the back post and captain George Pilkington met the ball with a great header past the stranded keeper and into the net for his first goal of the season, sending the 700 travelling Vale fans wild after only 6 minutes had been played.

From that moment on Vale could of added at least another couple of goals as wave after wave of Vale attacks stretched the home side and kept the play in their half. The pressure was relentless, and Marc Laird was creating some good chances for Rodgers, and the impressive Callum Willock on his return to the side. As Laird was winning the ball it allowed Rocastle to venture forward more and more and he tested the keeper twice in quick succession with rasping shots from outside the area.

The pressure told on 22 minutes as Vale added a second goal. The Morecambe keeper raced out of the area to try and clear a poor back pass to be met by the on-coming Luke Rodgers, who won the ball and laid on Willock. He composed himself in the 18 yard box and fired the ball into the roof of the net to put the Vale 2-0 up and score his first goal for the club. As Vale seemed to be on cruise control now, Morecambe began to put a bit of a fight into the match. Anyon saved well from a Baker 30 yard free kick, and a brilliant save pushed a shot from Stanley round the post on 35 minutes. Vale withstood the pressure well, and never looked like conceding a goal in the half, and Lee Sinnott would of been delighted with his teams first half performance.

Half Time Score Morecambe 0 - 2 Port Vale

The second half kicked off with Vale coming under a bit of pressure from the home side, but not enough to worry them this time, and gaps in the Morecambe defence soon started to appear again. The Vale had early second half shots from Talbot and Rocastle just go wide. Rodgers was a bit out of sorts on today's performance, and the Vale striker was feeling the pressure of some hefty challenges from former Crewe and Vale player Adam Yates.

The impressive Marc Laird was getting stuck in for the Vale in his first FA Cup match, and picked up a booking for a challenge on the halfway line. Callum Willock was looking to impress his new boss with a workman like performance today. When he was brought down just outside the area, the resulting free kick almost gave Vale a third goal. Rodgers hit the shot with venom, but it flew just inches over the bar into the visiting Vale fans.

Morecambe were unlucky not to pull a goal back, when a shot from Baker hit the crossbar after an impressive run down the wing. Sinnott appears to have galvanized the squad in the two games he has been in charge, and the players have responded to his methods, with players like Willock, who under Foyle looked poor, but now look like they could win matches for the team. As the half wore on Vale looked the more likely team to score, and had a 78th minute penalty appeal turned away by the referee. A great ball from Whitaker was chased down by Rodgers, and he was promptly brought down by the keeper, but the referee gave a foul for shirt pulling by Rodgers on the defender he had raced past.

As the tired legs began to show from Vale, Sinnott made two quick changes bringing on Tudor for Willock on 82 minutes, and Miles for Edwards on 86 minutes. It was great to see a Vale manager making tactical substitutions for a change, slowing the game down and wasting time the home side didn't have, and his final substitute on 93 minutes bringing on youngster James Lawrie to make his Vale debut, perhaps showed his intent to the travelling Vale fans, that he is a manager who is capable of bringing the best out of what he has for a squad, and that no matter the age of the player, he is not afraid to play them

Much to the delight and relief of the Vale players and fans the referee brought the game to an end, but more importantly Vale got the result they should of got here in the Johnsons Paint Trophy, looking more confident than they have all season, and hoping for a good Second Round tie to hopefully get them into that Third Round against one of the big teams. After witnessing his first win, manager Lee Sinnott had this to say about the game " I would rather fail trying than not to bother in that aspect. Sometimes, you take gambles and they don't come off, but you have to be prepared to take them and see things out. Yes we have brought players in, but I have only been in the job five days and I want to see these players for myself. Situation arise where people get an opportunity. It is up to them to take them with both hands. If you get the shirt, keep the shirt. This performance has given me a few thing to think about. And the young players showed their commitment to the club today also. James Lawrie was only drafted in when Hulbert failed his fitness test, and he didn't even have a shirt with his name or squad number on at 1.45, but we fixed him up and he made his debut. I don't care if the players are 16 or 40, if they can come on and do as I ask, and win us a game of help us into the next round of the cup and do a job for Port Vale, then they will be included. That is a message I want to send loud and clear to everyone around the club. " All in all Sinnott would of been proud to give the team all the credit they deserved today, and a big thumbs up from the boss was in order...

Final Score Morecambe 0 -2 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Mark McGregor
Keith Lowe
Craig Rocastle
Marc Laird Booked 54
Danny Whitaker
Callum Willock (Shane Tudor 82)
Luke Rodgers (James Lawrie 90+3)
Paul Edwards (Colin Miles 86)

Subs Not Used

Danny Glover
Mark Goodlad

Today's Attendance: 2,730

Man Of The Match: Callum Willock

FA Cup Second Round Draw will be posted shortly.

The Dream Goes On.....

First Signing For Lee Sinnott

2007-11-11T16:45:00.000Z

With Adam Eckersley returning early to Man United with an injury, and Will Atkinson having returned to Hull after his loan, Lee Sinnott took the opportunity to bring in his first signing as Vale manager, with Marc Laird being brought in on a months loan from Manchester City.

The 21 year old Scottish player has featured only once in the Man City first team when he came on in the 70th minute in a friendly against Carlisle United, scoring eight minutes later in a 4-0 win. He spent some of last season on loan at Northampton Town, where he played here at Vale Park in their 1-0 defeat.

He has been a member of the successful Man City youth team, and has been described as a player with huge potential. He is an attacking midfielder who has an eye for goal, and is looking to make his mark here at Vale in his loan spell. Due to injuries and the return of Atkinson to Hull, Marc will make his Vale debut in the FA Cup First Round tie at Morecambe this weekend.

Port Vale Vs Crewe Alex Tuesday 6th November 2007

2007-11-11T15:11:00.000Z

First game in charge tonight for Lee Sinnott, and what better way to start a new era than with a derby match against Crewe Alex. More important than the result was the performance for Sinnott. If at least the team was to look like they could play together then then his job would be made a lot easier, and after how badly the team performed against Huddersfield on Saturday, then a win would be the icing on the cake. Well at least half of what he wanted was here to be seen. The result went against the Vale, but the performance would of given Lee Sinnott a lot of positives to look at. Vale dominated the match from the start and only folded when Crewe scored form their only dangerous strike on goal in the game, but the overall performance would of given the team and the fans a lot to be happier about.

In his first line up as manager Sinnott brought back Pilkington to the back four, with McGregor switching to right back, as Miller fell to illness before the game. He also brought back in Jason Talbot and Robin Hulbert, who replaced Edwards and Harsley respectively.

Vale started the much more determined of the two sides tonight, and looked more like a play-off contender than a relegation threatened team. Will Atkinson was causing Crewe problems and in the ninth minute he created space for a Pilkington header that forded a save from Williams. Vale were pushing on to the Crewe back line, and most of the play in the first half hour had Crewe pinned in their own half. Rodgers looked like it was only a matter of time before he scored past his former club, and the Crewe fans giving him stick every time he touched the ball seemed to fire the little guy into wanted to score even more. Will Atkinson continued to cause problems down the wing, and his balls into the box were putting Alex under pressure, with Rodgers forcing Williams into two fine saves.

In a rare move into the Vale half Crewe almost snatched a goal when Simon Church fired a shot which was well saved by Anyon. Hulbert was also making his presence felt on the match, as a series of strong but fair challenges on the Crewe midfield helped keep Vale on the attack as the half wore on. Crewe needed to stop the pressure, and mainly from the threat posed by Atkinson. Not renowned as as a battling side the challenge by Woodards on Atkinson left the Vale winger struggling to carry on but went unpunished by the referee, much to the annoyance of the Vale fans who were screaming for a red card.

The rash challenge seemed to knock the wind from the sails from Vale, and as the half drew to a close it was Crewe who seemed that they had built up more of a momentum, with Cox and Moore both being denied by fine saves from Anyon. After the first half, Sinnott would of been happy with his teams performance, but the finishing would have to improve in the second half to put away the chances they were creating.

Half Time Score Port Vale 0 - 0 Crewe Alex

After the challenge on Atkinson left him unable to continue for the second half, Harsley replaced him. Vale once again started they stronger of the two sides. McGoldrick was denied by a late challenge from Baudet inside the six yard box. As the home fans got behind the team Vale again went close. Harlsey played a great ball through to Rodgers who lined up a shot aimed at the top corner, bringing a fine fingertip save from Williams to deny him a goal against his former club.

Vale were forced into a change on 61 minutes when Westwood, who picked up a hamstring strain, was replaced by Keith Lowe. Vale upped the tempo again and Hulbert fired just wide with a good effort, followed by another close effort from Rocastle forcing a save from Williams in the Crewe goal. But the pressure Vale were putting onto the Crewe goal was not being turned into goals, and frustration was creeping into the home side. Sensing this Crewe mounted an attack which produced the sucker punch snatch and grab goal from the game. Rocastle lost the ball to Roberts in the middle and he ran on to find Moore in space down the right. The striker fired a ball across the Vale goal and the defence failed to clear the ball, which was buried into the net by Elliott Bennett on 76 minutes.

Vale could of pulled one back almost immediately when Harsley crossed in towards McGoldrick. He met the ball and fired in a low shot which flew past Williams but hit the post. The ball fired out and was met by Rocastle, but his shot from 20 yards out flew over the crossbar.
Vale did try to rally on in the last ten minutes, and Sinnott brought on Tudor for Talbot to try and create a more attacking approach for the Vale. As the winger brought fresh legs to the game he fired in a couple of great crosses met by McGoldrick and Rocastle, but both their efforts went wide of the goal. As the board went up to show four minutes of injury time Vale pushed on again and another fine save from Williams after a Rodgers effort almost levelled things for the Vale, but Crewe defended well and the game ended with a win for Crewe, but the home side would of been much happier with the performance, and it would only be a matter of time before things on the pitch turned into results going in their favour.

In his first post match interview, Lee Sinnott was disappointed by the result, but the positives he could take from the performance would of pleased him. He said " There were many good things to take from the game, but the priority was the result. Sometimes you don't get what you deserve from football matches. I thought the reaction from players to supporters and vice versa was superb, and we will need more of that.
There is a long way to go in this season, and I have to get that into the players minds. There is a fine line between success and failure and I think this season has proved that so far, but we need to change that. I would of been more worried tonight if my defence had been cut to ribbons or the keeper had been overworked and we hadn't created any chances, but apart from the score it was a good all round display. I feel that after the game we can see that we are able to progress, which will hopefully lead to success. "

Final Score Port Vale 0 - 1 Crewe Alex

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Mark McGregor
Ashley Westwood (Keith Lowe 61)
Jason Talbot (Shane Tudor 83)
Danny Whitaker
Craig Rocastle Booked 71
Robin Hulbert
David McGoldrick
Luke Rodgers
Will Atkinson (Paul Harsley 45)

Subs Not Used

Danny Glover
Mark Goodlad

Today's Attendance: 5,329

Man Of The Match: Luke Rodgers

League One Standings

22. Bournemouth: Pl 15 W 3 D 3 L 9 GF 15 GA 25 Pts 12

23. Port Vale: Pl 15 W 3 D 2 L 10 GF 12 GA 21 Pts 11

24. Cheltenham: Pl 15 W 2 D 5 L 8 GF 12 GA 24 Pts 11

Port Vale Unveil New Manager Lee Sinnott

2007-11-07T18:27:00.000Z

A brave new dawn as a new era begins at Vale Park with the appointment of Lee Sinnott as the new Vale manager. The speculation of who would be the new man ended up a two horse race with caretaker boss Dean Glover and Lee Sinnott the main contenders, and the Vale board took the brave and exciting decision to appoint Sinnott with Glover to stay on as his assistant. Lee has signed a two and a half year deal and with his track record as a non league manager he will bring a new era to the Vale with a fresh outlook and no previous ties to hold his judgement back.

Bill Bratt said " We are all very excited at the appointment of Lee and he will of course get the full backing from us. We are also delighted at Dean's decision to stay on as Assistant Manager after all his years at the club and his hard work over the last few difficult weeks.

This is a fresh new start for the club and we feel that Lee is one of the best new up and coming English managers and we hope he will follow on from the success of other managers who have started in non league an done well as league managers such as Martin O'Neill, Martin Allen and Brian Little. "

A little about the new man at the helm now. Born in 1965 in Walsall and is the brother of actor Richard Sinnott. He started as an apprentice at Walsall before signing for Watford in 1983, where in his first season as a professional he got to live out every schoolboys dream and played in the FA Cup Final against Everton, collecting a runners up medal. His manager at the time was Graham Taylor, and he has been a huge influence on Lee's managerial style.

After four years at Watford he moved on to Bradford into what was then Division Two (Now the Championship). He helped Bradford make it to the Play-Offs that year, but the promotion bid failed and two years later they were relegated. He spent one season with Bradford in Division Three before moving back into the top league with Crystal Palace in 1991, but unable to maintain a regular first team place, he moved back to Bradford after two seasons.

Again Bradford just missed out on promotion in the Play-offs and then manager Frank Stapleton was sacked, so after one season back he moved on again to Huddersfield Town. In his first season under manager Neil Warnock he won promotion via the Play-Offs as captain of Warnock's team. He had three happy years at Huddersfield before signing for Oldham in 1997.

He had two years at Oldham who had just been relegated from League One, and in his time was loaned out again to Bradford. After he left Oldham he signed for Scarborough in 1999 and in his last season as a player the side reached fourth in the Nationwide conference.

Sinnott was not out of football for long and in 2003 he was appointed manager of Farsley Celtic. In his first season at the club he took them to third in the Northern Premier League Division One which gained them promotion to the Northern Premier League. After two years the team was promoted to the Conference North, and the following season the team was promoted to the Nationwide Conference via the Play-Offs. Farlsey's three promotions leaves them just two divisions behind neighbours Leeds United, and their highest League position ever.

Graham Taylor said this in a recent interview about the appointment of Sinnott at Port Vale " I respect Port Vale for looking outside the league to give a young manager a shot. He has what I call a proper approach about football. He always wants to learn and will listen and bide his time. Whatever he has done before will count for nothing when the going gets tough and that is when he will need the board's support, he will need time to get it right. Lee will have to be out all the time looking for players and make sure he can work within the financial constraints, he can't afford to sit at home and not be well organised. He knows I'm at the end of the phone if he needs advice over the coming months and I will try to help "

Included below is the press conference which unveils Lee Sinnott as the new boss.

Hudderfield Town Vs Port Vale Saturday 3rd November 2007

2007-11-06T17:51:00.000Z

A testing time for caretaker manager today as his future was made even more uncertain as his only rival for the vacant managers job, Lee Sinnott, was at the game today. Late last night the Farsley Celtic manager's club released a press statement that he had left the club, leaving it all but certain he was to be the next Vale manager. This along with the news that Adam Eckersley has had to return to Manchester United after picking up a knee injury that will require surgery and is likely to keep him out for 10 weeks would of been a major blow to Glover as the youngster had impressed in his time at Vale and he had become a favourite with the fans with his style of play.
So a reshape at the back was required with Edwards returning to the left back role and McGoldrick replacing the injured Richards. George Pilkington also pulled out late with a stomach bug, leaving Glover to include McGregor in the line up. In Huddersfield's line up today were former Vale star Malvin Kamara, and former Vale target Danny Cadermarteri. Also ex Man United player Ronnie Wallwork and Frank Sinlclair meant that Vale faced a stiff test at the Galpharm.

It couldn't of been a worse start for the Vale as they found themselves 2-0 down inside the first ten minutes of the match. The missing players had an adverse effect on the game from the start and Vale showed why they are in the relegation zone. Andy Booth scored with his first effort on 3 minutes to give the home side an early lead. A free kick from the corner was whipped in and Booth headed firmly past Anyon. But things got even worse six minutes later when Town got a second. A corner was whipped in and cleared the Vale defence to find the unmarked Wallwork who fired home from 20 yards.

Vale finally had a shot at the home team on sixteen minutes when McGoldrick was put clear in a one on one with the keeper, but his effort went wide after a weak shot. If it had of gone in Vale would of been back in the game, but things went even worse on 20 minutes when they fell 3-0 behind. Another corner for the home side, and another goal. The ball was whipped in by Skarz and Mirfin headed towards the goal. Rocastle tried in vain to hoof the ball away, but the referee adjudged the ball had gone over the line and awarded the goal.
With the game already dead and buried in the first 20 minutes what followed made little difference to the outcome. Luke Rodgers scored yet again on 43 minutes to give Vale a glimmer of hope, but after this woeful first half performance, whoever the next manager is will have his work cut out.

Half Time Huddersfield Town 3 - 1 Port Vale

The second half was pretty much a non event, but Vale did rally slightly to give the travelling support some hope, although the possession was rarely turned into chances on goal by Vale, and Huddersfield appeared to be on cruise control. Glover brought on Hulbert for Miller just after the break to try and toughen up the midfield. Rodgers again was the only Vale player to attempt any shots on the home teams goal, and the opening ten minutes saw him have a couple of efforts saved by the keeper.

On 59 minutes Glover replaced Atkinson for Tudor, and pushed Whitaker onto the left to try and open up the home side, but it made little difference. It was the pacy Huddersfield attack that could of added to the scoreline when Cadermarteri showed his skill by dribbling past the Vale defence and crossing for Booth, whose header went just wide. The loudest cheer of the day went up when the scoreboard flashed up that local rivals Leeds United were losing at Carlisle.

Apart from that the only other talking point was the penalty appeal when Sinclair appeared to push over Whitaker. The home side held its breath as it looked like the the referee was about to give a penalty, but he gave the foul the other way. As Vale mounted a last attack, Whitaker had a shot hit the side netting. Even the three minutes of added time didn't result in another attack, as the home side picked up and easy three points and Vale were left licking their wounds. As it looks like Sinnott will be the next manager then on this performance he will of seen the team at its worst, and he will have his work cut out to turn this season around with the local derby against Crewe as his possible first match, and the FA Cup trip to Morecambe next Saturday. If this is Glover's last game in charge he leaves the team in the relegation zone after losing six of his eight games in charge.

Final Score Huddersfield Town 3 - 1 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
Mark McGregor Booked 35
Justin Miller (Robin Hulbert 46)
Ashley Westwood
Paul Edwards
Paul Harsley
Craig Rocastle Booked 53
Danny Whitaker
David McGoldrick
Luke Rodgers
Will Atkinson

Subs Not Used

Danny Glover
Jason Talbot
Luke Prosser

Today's Attendance: 8,555

Man Of The Match: Paul Harsley

League One Standings

22. Millwall: Pl 14 W 3 D 3 L 8 GF 11 GA 21 Pts 12

23. Port Vale: Pl 14 W 3 D 2 L 9 GF 12 GA 20 Pts 11

24. Cheltenham Town: Pl 14 W 2 D 4 L 8 GF 11 GA 23 Pts 10

FA Cup First Round Draw

2007-10-30T13:55:00.000Z

The moment you either love or dread is upon us again. In recent years we have had some awful results in the FA Cup, with Canvey Island knocking us out a few years ago, and Hereford thumping us 4-0 last season springing to mind. With how results have been just lately a good cup run to a Third Round tie away at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge would just set the season up nicely and give the players a confidence boost to help them in the fight to avoid the drop. So who will we get in the First Round of the oldest and best cup competition in the world? Here is the draw in full to see for yourself.

Darlington Vs Northampton
Hampton & Richmond Vs Dagenham & Redbridge
Torquay Utd Vs Yeovil Town
Leyton Orient Vs Bristol Rovers
Bury Vs Workington
Barnet Vs Gillingham
Acrington Stanley Vs Huddersfield Town
Farsley Celtic/Barrow Vs Bournemouth
Eastleigh/Forest Green Vs Rotherham
Southend Vs Rochdale
Team Bath Vs Chasetown
Bradford City Vs Chester City
Morecambe Vs Port Vale
Hereford Utd Vs Leeds Utd
Mansfield Town Vs Grays Ath/Lewes
Gainsborough Trinity Vs Hartlepool Utd
Exeter City Vs Salisbury/Stevenage Bor
Oldham Vs Doncaster
Peterborough Utd Vs Wrexham
Evesham/Halifax Vs Burton Albion
York Vs Havant & Waterlooville
Harrogate Railway Vs Droylesden
Rushden & Diamonds Vs Macclesfield TOwn
Ware Vs Kidderminster Harriers
Walsall Vs Shrewsbury Town
Horsham Vs Maidenhead Utd
Alrincham Vs Millwall
Cheltenham Town Vs Brighton
Stockport County Vs Staines
Crewe Vs MK Dons
Lincoln Vs Nottingham Forest
Stafford/Cambridge Utd Vs Crawley/Aldershot
Notts County Vs Histon
Oxford Utd Vs Northwich Vics
Billericay Town Vs Swansea City
Carlisle Utd Vs Grimsby
Eastbourne Borough Vs Weymouth/Hitchin
Chesterfield Vs Tranmere Rovers
Wycombe Wanderers Vs Swindon Town
Luton Town Vs Brentford

So Port Vale were handed the perfect way to shake the cobwebs away from the Johnson's Paint defeat at Morecambe and show the league new boys that they will not give up so easily this time. The players will not want to lose this game and they will be itching for the game now to wipe away the cup exit to the team on penalties a couple of weeks ago, especially after caretaker manager called them nothing more than a pub team after the defeat. The ties will take place on November 9th/10th/11th and Vale will be hoping the draw will enable them to progress in the competition and maybe get them a lucrative Third Round tie at a Premiership club.

Port Vale Vs Swindon Town Saturday 27th October 2007

2007-10-30T11:56:00.000Z

After Mark Grew's scathing attack both in the dressing room and in the press last week, the Vale fans who turned up today may of been expecting some kind of backlash at least from the players. It was either going to be a positive one or a negative one, and with the return of former Vale players Billy Paynter and Sam Collins in the Swindon team today, most expected the curse of the ex player to fire another nail into this seasons campaign. Before the match Mark Grew was seen making a rather swift exit an hour before kick off, and he has not been taking first team training all week, swapping places with Andy Porter training the youth team, so it appears his outburst has not gone unpunished, and his future at the club remains uncertain.
So with a game against a team in the top half of the table Vale had their work cut out today, especially after the second half collapse at Orient last weekend. Glover had Adam Eckersley back in the team after his suspension, and back came in Ashley Westwood and Paul Harsley. He also gave a start to Wil Atkinson, who makes his league debut start today. The weather looked to have an impact on the match with the greasy surface bound to affect the players footing.

Swindon started the more confident of the sides, with the agenda seeming to be get a quick goal and shut up shop. Vale looked less shaky at the back though today and coped well with the early pressure from the visitors. Vale old boy Billy Paynter was looking to get a goal on his return to Vale Park and fired a shot directly at Anyon who saved well. As the half began to settle down Vale looked to pass the ball around well, starting from the back where Eckersley was having a great start to the match. His crisp passing rarely found himself giving the ball away throughout the opening period, and was reminiscent of how Man United play from the back keeping possession above all else and looking for opportunities rather than passing the ball up aimlessly. Atkinson was also having a good start to the game benefiting mainly from the great play from Eckersley. His first effort in anger at the Swindon goal almost gave the Vale the lead on 11 minutes, but his shot was guided away by the outstretched foot of the keeper.

However Vales dominance was rewarded shortly after on 18 minutes.Pauls Harsley's shot on goal was knocked away by a Swindon defender. The majority of players and fans were expecting a corner to be given but to everyone's surprise the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty after spotting a handball. The Swindon players crowded around the ref to complain at the decision, but Luke Rodgers calmly placed the ball on the spot and fired home his eighth goal of the season.

The lead was to be very short lived. Less than a minute later Swindon were level after Vale's defence stood off and allowed them back into the game. A free kick swung in from the left was met by Peacock and headed past the stranded Anyon in the Vale goal. The Vale back four looked around trying to blame each other for not picking up the player who ran unmarked into the box, but the rather tame header should of been easily saved by Anyon.

Instead of the usual collapse at conceding a goal, Vale piled on the pressure on the Swindon goal. Atkinson spotted the unmarked Whitaker and threaded an acute pass through to him. Whitaker put his foot on the ball and steadied himself before firing an unstoppable shot past the Swindon keeper on 26 minutes to restore the lead. He soon found himself buried under a pile of jubilant team-mates as the joy in the camp seemed to carry itself to the home fans.

Vale's back line stood firm to keep the lead at the break, with Pilkington and Westwood looking solid again at the back, and Miller was having by far his best game so far for the team, creating some great moves down the right. Luke Rodgers was a constant thorn in the visitors side, hitting the side netting twice from close range and having a chipped effort on goal cleared off the line by a Swindon defender. Glover would of been hoping the first half didn't end as the Vale deserved the lead at the break, and the police helicopter that was circling the ground for the last ten minutes of the half was obviously not to whisk him away from the surprisingly happy home fans for a change.

Half Time Score Port Vale 2 - 1 Swindon Town

With how recent games of gone the home fans could of been forgiven for thinking that Vale would collapse in the second half and either end up with no points or a point from a game they should of won. As the half started they would of been thinking it was going to happen again, as Swindon came out with the bit between their teeth looking for an equaliser. But Vale withstood the early second half pressure and were soon back on top of the match.

As the half wore on Swindon made a couple of substitution's, bringing on former Vale captain Sam Collins. Collins was brought on to try and gain a foothold in the match that the visitors seemed to be losing after Richards was holding the ball up well, and Rodgers was again having a good spell in front of the Swindon goal. In response to his efforts Glover swapped Richards for McGoldrick, who was instantly in action with a good effort tipped away by the visiting keeper.

After a quiet return to Vale Park Billy Paynter was replaced on 72 minutes to a round of applause from the home fans. As the half went on it was Vale who looked more like adding to their lead rather than Swindon pulling a goal back, as Rodgers again broke free from his marker to have another effort went just inches wide of the goal.

A rather tough challenge from Easton left Paul Harsley looking battered and bruised, and he was replaced by Callum Willock on 80 minutes. As the half drew to a close with 3 minutes of injury time put up on the fourth officials board, Swindon almost got the equaliser they didn't deserve when a great last minute sliding challenge from Westwood denied Roberts a late goal. All in all the Vale had been on top for the entire match and deserved all three points, although for a side near the top of the table Swindon had been poor, showing that in this league there is not that much of a difference between top and bottom. The three points would be a huge confidence boost for Vale going into the next couple of games with Huddersfield next Saturday and the derby match against Crewe here at Vale Park the following Tuesday. And with the FA Cup First Round draw taking place just after the end of the match, Vale hoped this result may turn the season around, even though the vacant managers position still has to be resolved.

After the match Glover had this to say " We have been creating chances, but have been unfortunate not to benefit from the hard work, and today it payed off. Spirits are high. The lads realize the position we are in, and they are prepared to work hard to get us out of it. Sooner or later it will turn, because we are better than the position we are in at the moment, its a case of taking the confidence from the win and putting it into momentum for the next few games. At the moment we have a full squad training so hopefully we will still have them all for the weekend. We can understand the frustration for the supporters, but the anxiety from them can rub off on the players sometimes, so its a case of us all pulling together like today. We have top build on our confidence to try and turn the season around "

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Justin Miller
Ashley Westwood
Adam Eckersley Booked 79
Paul Harsley (Callum Willock 80)
Craig Rocastle
Danny Whitaker
Marc Richards (David McGoldrick 68)
Luke Rodgers Booked 90
Wil Atkinson

Subs Not Used

Jason Talbot
Mark McGregor
Shane Tudor

Today's Attendance: 4,013

Man Of The Match: Luke Rodgers

League One Standings

21. Oldham: Pl 11 W 3 D 2 L 7 GF 11 GA 14 Pts 11

22. Port Vale: Pl 13 W 3 D 2 L 8 GF 11 GA 17 Pts 11

23. Chetenham Town: Pl 13 W 2 D 4 L 7 GF 11 GA 21 Pts 10

Leyton Orient Vs Port Vale Saturday 20th October 2007

2007-10-22T18:59:00.000+01:00

Lets face it nobody gave Vale a chance of any result today so the fact we were beaten to a side at the top of the League came as no shock. But for yet another of the caretaker coaching team, this time Mark Grew, to call the players gutless after the defeat today was yet another little reminder to the board that WE NEED A NEW MANAGER IN NOW. The problem we seem to have is the players are not responding to the management set up at the club. They are all training every week, and we are relatively injury free, but out on the pitch the lack of confidence shown is beginning to make us look like relegation certainties and not the Play Off contenders the board promised us after the buoyant pre season results.

Changes were again made to the line up, and this inconsistency cannot be helping the players, with Westwood, Talbot and McGoldrick all being left out for McGregor, Miller and Richards respectively. After Eckersley being sent off against Brighton, Paul Edwards resumed left back duty, and other loanee Atkinson remained on the bench. The home side had the best of the early play and could of scored right from the off when Anyon saved well from a Ibrehre shot. The home side looked to build on the early pressure again on thirteen minutes when Boyd hit the crossbar from a looping header. Vale's back four was looking surprisingly strong and they coped well with the home teams pressure football, but they were struggling to get forward and create in the opposition half.

But their patience payed off when they finally pressured the home teams goal when Rodgers spotted Richards unmarked on the edge of the box and fired in a great pass to release his strike partner. Richards met the cross with his head, but his header flew over the bar. As the home side started to pressure the Vale back line again towards the end of the half, Vale decided that the way forward was route one, and it payed off.

On 40 minutes a long goal kick from Anyon was flicked on by Richards and ran on to by star striker Luke Rodgers, who despite pressure from the home sides defense ran on to fire the ball past the keeper and put the Vale ahead going into the break. Totally against the run of play but when your in Vale's position you need all the breaks you can get.

Half Time Score Leyton Orient 0 - 1 Port Vale

As expected the home team came out for the second half all guns blazing. It didn't take long to get the home fans out of their seats and cheering them on as a header from Mkandawire sent Anyon scrambling. Boyd skipped past the Vale defence just after and was brought down in the area by Hulbert, but the referee waved play on to the disgust of the home fans.Vale then survived a goalmouth scramble as the failed to clear a ball into the box from Chambers was finally kicked away by McGregor. Although they had survived the early scare, Vale soon crumbled under the pressure in a seven minute blitz which saw them concede three goals.

First chance came to Mkandawire, whose header fired past Anyon on 53 minutes and put the home team level. The home side surged forward again an went ahead on 55 minutes when a pinpoint cross from Melligan was met by the unmarked Ibrehre and was headed past the stranded Anyon. With Vale looking like they had been hit by a South African Rugby player and unable to do anything about it, Orient put the final nail in the coffin when Chambers ran past the Vale defence with no challenge put in and was felled by Anyon in the box. Luckily the referee didn't send him off, but the resulting penalty was fired past Anyon by Boyd on 59 minutes, and the seven minute rout was over as were Vale's chances of any point's in the game.
It's difficult to know exactly what went wrong in those seven minutes, but the defence which had looked quite solid in the first half crumbled into shadows of themselves as Orient ran them ragged and put their chances away without any challenges being made on them. Where in the first half they had created opening's for the front men, the back line looked static and just not interested, looking to blame each other rather than take responsibility. Not one of the players looked like they could even mount any effort to at least try and get a goal back. In fact the home side looked more like the team going top of the table with chance after chance almost adding to the lead.

Glover brought on Westwood, Talbot and Willock to try and change the teams morale, but the game was over and the home side played out probably the most comfortable home win they will have all season.

Final Score Leyton Orient 3 - 1 Port Vale

After the match both Mark Grew and Dean Glover had scathing comments to make about the current Vale team and the lack of commitment shown by the players. But the comments made were not enough to stop Vale falling to their fifth defeat in six matches under Glover, a record now worse than Martin Foyle had in the same time in charge.
After the match Glover said " Whoever comes in will have the same problem. Unfortunately you have to work with what you have got and its about getting them to work for themselves. Its not only my position that's in doubt, but some of there's will be too. If they think they can play like this and have a future in football, they are in for a shock. It comes from within and they have got no chance. It's about how too progress as players and as people. If they want a better life after football they have got to do better than they are now, because at the moment they will be looking for other jobs sooner rather than later. It's sad but if they can't instill a bit of enthusiasm, passion and a bit of pride into what they are doing, they should not be playing at Port Vale. I don't think many of them can say they are doing that right now. "
Grew said " I've just told them they are gutless and spineless and the worst bunch of players I have seen here in 17 years. I'm not trying to kid the fans or anyone else they are just gutless. They defend and play OK in the first half, but when we concede a goal they just pack in. To me that's just spineless, no question. I want to tell them some home truths. In the end the players here are not good enough to keep us in the league below never mind this league. Unfortunately if I had my way I would get rid of most of them, but some of them are on bloody good contracts, so there is nothing the club can do about it. I want o see the chairman on Monday as I've had enough of it. Seventeen years I have been at this club and I can say I am embarrassed to be associated with this bunch of players. I'm not sure I want to be a part of it anymore.
It makes no difference if you're playing at home or away you have to have passion on the pitch. They are getting paid well and a bit of pride for he team, well that's what I was brought up on. Some of the players had a night out in London booked up and maybe they thought more about that than the game. Dean and I have our future to think of. The board has been good to us and given us time, but we both know its a results business and we are not getting them.
Myself, Dean, Andy and Martin when he was here, the kit man , the staff upstairs and the Chairman all have the passion for the club. The one's that don't have it are the ones who matter the most, the players. They come in, pick there money up and go home and that's all they are interested in. Not many stop after training unless you ask them. I don't know what we can do with them. We spend a lot of time practicing, but when they cross that white line it's their livelihood, and they have to produce. If they can't do it then they shouldn't be in the game. I've just told them to go to college and learn another trade fast because if another manager comes in this team will be wiped out if they can afford to do it and a lot of them won't deserve other clubs. "

Harsh comments indeed by the men at the helm, but for once I agree with them. The men who are currently at the helm of the club Glover and Grew, Andy Porter and ex manager Martin Foyle were all Vale legends. John McCarthy who commentates for Radio Stoke, and Robin Van Der Laan who worked for the station last year were also legends. It must be a real sickener to turn up and witness this bunch of losers week in week out. There is a lot to be said for keeping what is said in the dressing room in the dressing room, but Vale fans have been kept in the dark about what has gone on since pre season for too long, and if a rant from Mark Grew nudges the board into bringing in a manager sooner then its only going to benefit the club. All the ex players have at least shown they are all passionate about the Port Vale team, its just a shame the current bunch of players does not share their passion for the club. I have to agree it seems that a few of them turn up just to be paid, such as Richards and Lowe, but if the players are going out on the lash in London after the drubbing they got today, then surely the board should step in and take action, fine the culprits a weeks wages and maybe they will start to play for their money. A firmer hand is needed with these overpaid footballers who have never done a real days work in their lives.
I feel sorry for the few players that seem to try, like Pilkington, Anyon and Rodgers, but I fear they will jump ship in January if things don't improve and offers come in for them, leaving the team looking even more down the barrel of relegation than they are now. Its not a tall order for them yet, and there is a long way to got this season, but the F.A. Cup draw is on Saturday, and I hope we don't draw a non-league side as we are ripe for a giant killing act at the moment, and the last thing we need is another demoralising cup exit.

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Justin Miller (Ashley Westwood 74)
Mark McGregor Booked 85
Paul Edwards
Robin Hulbert Booked 51
Shane Tudor (Callum Willock 82)
Danny Whitaker (Jason Talbot 62)
Marc Richards
Luke Rodgers
Craig Rocastle

Subs Not Used

Danny Glover
Will Atkinson

Today's Attendance: 4,555

Man Of The Match: Luke Rodgers

League One Standings

22. Cheltenham Town: Pl 12 W 2 D 3 L 7 GF 9 GA 19 Pts 9

23. Port Vale: Pl 12 W 2 D 2 L 8 GF 9 GA 16 Pts 8

24. Bournemouth: Pl 12 W 2 D 2 L 8 GF 11 GA 21 Pts 8

Port Vale Vs Brighton Saturday October 13th 2007

2007-10-15T19:48:00.000+01:00

Dean Glover's reign as manager at Port Vale may end up being more memorable than he would of wanted as Vale slumped to yet another team they outplayed at home but came away empty handed from. This defeat, Vale's seventh this season, leaves the team in more relegation trouble than when he took over from Foyle a few weeks ago. His ability to motivate the players seems to of disappeared after the mid-week cup exit to Morecambe, after which he labeled the team as no better than a pub side. This was not the way to get the best out of players obviously low on confidence, and the things can only get better vibe may disappear fast as at the moment they cannot get any worse.

Vale put the two new loan signings straight into the squad, with Adam Eckersley starting at left back, and Will Atkinson getting a start on the bench. Eckersley made his mark with the Vale faithful by setting up an early chance for Luke Rodgers. His low ball in was met by the forward but blazed over the bar. Vale then had the ball in the net on 20 minutes when another quality ball in from Eckersley was met by Rodgers and prodded home past the keeper, only for the referee to rule there had been a foul on the keeper and disallow the goal.

If it was Vale who were at the bottom of the league, then the first half performance did not show it, as they dominated the middle of the park with Rocastle again impressing with his solid presence.

Brighton keeper was entertaining the fans himself, rushing out to head clear a ball being chased down by Tudor from just outside the box. Rocastle picked up the resulting clearance and his shot flew inches over the bar. Former Vale player George O'Callagham was in the Brighton line up, and he saved his team from going a goal down before the break. He was positioned well on the line for a Vale corner on 42 minutes and headed clear a McGoldrick header after the keeper was well beaten to the ball. Who says former players don't come back to haunt you!

Half Time Port Vale 0 - 0 Brighton

Vale started the second half trying to build on the first half dominance, and both Tudor and Rodgers were unlucky with early second half efforts. But Brighton have been a good away team this season getting seven point so far on their travels, and they began to wear the Vale down. A rare mistake from Anyon gifted the visitors the lead on 64 minutes. Pilkington and Anyon both left a ball for the other to clear and Revell shot in to fire into the empty net.

Could things get any worse for the Vale, well quite frankly yes, and they did. After going a goal down Glover responded by bringing on Whitaker for Hulbert. The switch allowed the impressive Eckersley to venture forward to try and put more quality ball into the box. As he pushed on he was adjudged to of fouled a Brighton player. His throwing away of the ball in disgust of the decision meant he picked up a yellow card.

Glover then threw the dice again bringing on his other new boy Atkinson for Paul Edwards on 76 minutes. Two minutes later the game was finally up for Vale as Eckersley was sent off for a second bookable offence after bringing down Robinson. It was a harsh decision on the young left back, who received a warm round of consoling applause as he left the pitch. It was this that sealed the fate of the result with Vale offering little danger to the Brighton goal, and Brighton happy to hold on for the three points. In a final throw of the dice, Glover brought on Richards for McGoldrick but it was too little too late.

It was obvious to the few that turned up on Saturday that after yet another home defeat to a team we have outplayed, Dean Glover is probably not the right man for the job. According to the board he is still on the shortlist for the job, and they showed faith in him by allowing him to bring in new players before the game. The sending off was harsh, and spoilt a good debut for Eckersley, but it is a worry that yet another left back has been sent off for the Vale. Surely the referee didn't mistake him for Talbot!

After the game the board called an emergency meeting to discuss the recent results, and to see what must happen next. After the meeting chairman Bill Bratt had this to say " Dean's chances are the same as they were before the game. We need to asses the situation. He knows what needs to be done, and he has been working hard with the players to achieve this. I think the football has been a lot more attractive to watch, but it is all about results. We will advertise the managers position in the national press next week and see what comes from that. We have had over 50 applications so far and most of those have not been suitable to say the least. We will have to see what happens but Dean will be in charge for next Saturday's trip to Orient. We could of won the game again today, but we just had no luck in front of goal. It looked like ending 0-0 unless someone had some luck, but the luck went to Brighton and we ended up with nothing again. It was very disappointing as I think we were the better side "

Final Score Port Vale 0 - 1 Brighton

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Adam Eckersley Booked 62 Sent Off 78
Ashley Westwood
Justin Miller
Craig Rocastle
Shane Tudor
Robin Hulbert (Danny Whitaker 67)
Dave McGoldrick (Marc Richards 87)
Luke Rodgers
Paul Edwards (Will Atkinson 76)

Subs Not Used

Callum Willock
Mark McGregor

Today's Attendance: 3,490

Man Of The Match: Adam Eckersley

League One Standings

22. Cheltenham Town: Pl 11 W 2 D 3 L 6 GF 8 GA 17 Pts 9

23. Port Vale: Pl 11 W 2 D 2 L 7 GF 8 GA 13 Pts 8

24. Bournemouth: Pl 11 W 2 D 2 L 7 GF 10 GA 19 Pts 8

Glover Brings In Two New Loan Signings

2007-10-15T19:47:00.000+01:00

Dean Glover got the board to allow him to bring in two new young players to help bolster the squad ahead of Saturdays fixture against Brighton, a must win game for Glover if he is to stand any chance of landing the managers post at the club. Chairman Bill Bratt said he allowed Glover to bring the lads in to help get the team out of the slump that has left them in 22nd position in League One, with a long hard relegation threatened season in prospect if the clubs fortunes don't change quickly. The two new lads are Adam Eckersley from Manchester United and Will Atkinson from Hull City.

Adam Eckersley

Adam is 22 years old and has been at Manchester United for three seasons now, and plays as a left back. He has had a successful run in the United youth set up, appearing in last seasons FA Youth Cup Final against Liverpool, and is at the Vale to gain valuable first team experience. Adam played at Vale Park when the Valiants met Man United in the 3-2 preseason win. He played six matches for Barnsley at the end of last season and spent most of 2006 on loan to Belgium side Royal Antwerp and Danish side Brondby. He has made one senior first team appearance for Man United in the League Cup against Barnet in 2005. Adam is initially on loan at Vale for one month.

Will Atkinson

Will is 19 years old and joins Port Vale for an initial one month loan from Hull City. He can play on either wing or just tucked in behind the front men. He has yet to make a first team appearance for Hull, and will be hoping this loan move will give him some first team experience.

Both players will be put straight into the squad for Saturdays visit of Brighton and will be hoping to make a good impression on the Vale fans.

Johnsons Paint Trophy 2nd Round Morecambe Vs Port Vale Tuesday 9th October 2007

2007-10-10T18:06:00.000+01:00

"Not good enough to be called a pub team!" Dean Glover's assessment of the team's performance in the second round exit from the competition which held teams only chance of a trophy this season. And this was the second time this season Vale had been knocked out of a cup competition by a League two side on penalties. The result leaves the team's confidence back in tatters after it had seemed that they had turned the corner in the last few games. And Bill Bratt's appearance in the dug out after the match may of been interpreted as the Chairman showing consolation for the result, but it was more likely to show that Glover is not the right man for the vacant managers job long term. This was by far the worst result of Glover's four game's in charge, and he would of been left with a bitter taste in his mouth after his team failed to progress.

Vale started the game in a 4-4-2 formation, an due to Colin Miles being ruled unfit to start the match due to illness, Marc Richards started alongside Rodgers, with Danny Glover taking his place on the bench. Vale started much the brighter of the two teams, and took the lead from a great move on 5 minutes. Shane Tudor took the corner he had won and floated in a brilliant ball which was met by a powerful header from Justin Miller and buried into the net passed the stationary Morecambe keeper. Vale were much the more confident of the two sides, and they passed the ball around well. Miller could of added a second on 18 minutes when he raced passed a defender into the box only to find his low volley fire back at him from the upright.

Vale had strung together a few nice passing moves, and after the half hour they got the second goal they deserved. Hulbert was brought down on the edge of the area, and the diminutive striker Luke Rodgers stepped up to place an inch perfect free kick into the top corner. Vale were creating plenty of good possession, and although Morecambe did have Anyon making a couple of good saves, it was Vale who had been the better side in the first half.

Half Time Morecambe 0 - 2 Port Vale

Morecambe came out of the blocks running at the start of the second half, and pulled a goal back from their first move of the half. Vale had proved to be weak defending down the flanks all season, and tonight was no exception as Curtis took on and beat Edwards with ease to put in a perfect cross which was slotted home by Hunter. Anyon was again needed just a few minutes later when he pulled off a fine save from a 20 yard shot from Curtis. Glover seemed to look bemused on the sidelines as the home side made Vale look like a team who didn't know each other and put them under constant pressure. He urged the players to calm down and try to regain their focus from the first half. Morecambe then hit the woodwork before Vale finally had an effort in the second half, with a long range effort from Tudor also hitting the post.

Vale decided to make a change, bringing on Willock for McGoldrick, who after a couple of good performances was largely ineffective tonight against weaker opposition. Willock almost had the desired effect with his fine long range effort being pushed wide by the keeper. But the home side finally got the equaliser on 61 minutes when a great ball from former Vale trialist, right back Adam Yates, was helped into the box by Hunter, and swept home from 6 yards by Newby to level to scores.

Vale finally started to respond to the pressure, and tried to pass their way out of trouble. It almost got them a penalty when Edwards was tumbled over in the box, but another poor referee gave the decision to the home side. Glover then handed his 17 year son Danny the chance to win the game for the Vale, bringing him on for Richards, and he almost scored with his first touch, forcing a fine save from the keeper Drench. Vale piled on the pressure late on and Drench in the Morecambe goal kept the home side in the match with a string of fine saves from Tudor, Miller and Rodgers.

As the board went up for added time Vale made a final push on the home goal, and a looping header from Miller flew over the stranded keeper and bounced off the crossbar to safety. As there is no extra time in this competition, the final whistle went with the Morcambe fans celebrating, and Glover looking worried at the prospect of picking five penalty takers.

Final Score Morecambe 2 - 2 Port Vale

Penalties

Morecambe 1-0 Artell: Good penalty down the middle past Anyon
Port Vale 1-1 Rodger: The little man does it again with a fine penalty
Morecambe 2-1 Newby: Left Anyon no chance with a well struck kick
Port Vale 1-2 Tudor: Poor penalty well saved by Drench
Morecambe 3-1 Lloyd: Short run up but well hit past Anyon
Port Vale 2-3 Willock: Slotted past the keeper well by the big man
Morecambe 4-2 Hunter: No problem for the forward leaving Anyon no chance
Port Vale 2-4 Glover: Rather weak effort from the youngster leaving easy save

So Vale bow out yet again on penalties to a lower league side, but this time was a lot harder to take after being 2 - 0 up at the break only to throw away the lead and lose on penalties. Sammy McIlroy obviously had done his homework on the Vale as his side pressured our weak fullbacks to create two goals from two chances. The decision to let an inexperienced 17 year old take such an important penalty is also baffling. But more worrying is the lack of big name first team players willing to step up and take spot kicks for the team, Glover is bound to pick the youngster if he has the balls to stand up to take one. Bill Bratt should be fuming at the result, as this is our only real chance of a trophy, and with the likes of Leeds United still in the competition, we have also lost any revenue created from either T.V. rights (The Leeds game was live on Sky Sports) or from a big home gate.

Glover was rightly furious with the players after the game, and criticised them, calling them a pub side after watching them lose, although he did pick the team Glover was disappointed at the result but more so at the lack of effort from his key players. He said after the game " I wanted five lads to have the confidence to step up and take one but some of the more senior player backed away from it and I had to put young Danny in the firing line to take a penalty. Unfortunately the pressure was added with Shane missing his, and Danny realised he had to score to keep us in it. It didn't happen for him and he will step up again one day to make amends. He is 17 and obviously he is upset. It just disappoints me the senior players did not have his guts to step up and take a kick and just back away. You can't write what I and Grew said to them in the dressing room after the game, but safe to say we gave them a dressing down. We have told them what we think of them and how we feel because it just is not good enough for Port Vale Football Club. I would hope they would role their sleeves up and have some pride in what they are doing, because at the moment I would class them as no better than a pub side "

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Justin Miller
Ashley Westwood
Paul Edwards
Robin Hulbert Booked 90
Shane Tudor
Criag Rocastle
Marc Richards (Danny Glover 71)
Luke Rodgers
David McGoldrick (Callum Willock 58)

Subs Not Used

Chris Martin (GK)
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor

Today's Attendance: 1,644

Man Of The Match: Justin Miller

Northampton Town Vs Port Vale Saturday 6th October 2007

2007-10-08T18:14:00.000+01:00

Port Vale travelled to Northampton brimming with new found confidence after the 3-0 victory over Cheltenham midweek, but it was the same old defensive slip ups that cost the team after a poor first half display left them with far too much to do in the second forty five minutes. Vale made one change to the midweek team, bringing back Ashley Westwood replacing the suspended Jason Talbot.

Vale started the half well, and could of taken the lead on 5 minutes when McGoldrick, who has settled in well with Rodgers up front, should of shot first time but elected to find space, giving the Northampton center half's time to get back and smother out his effort. He was having plenty of the ball in the first quarter of the game, and should of done better with a header from a Harsley free kick that he placed just over the bar. But it was the home side that struck first on 19 minutes when Henderson broke free down the left and sent in a low cross that was picked out by Kirk and fired home from close range past Anyon at the near post.

The home side started to pressure the Vale defence, and Henderson was causing the back four problems with his runs down the flank. Vale started to put their foot on the ball and play a bit in the home sides half, and Mcgoldrick had decent efforts saved by the keeper on three occasions. But as the Vale pushed to get back into the game it was again the home side that took the initiative and got a second after a mix up at the back. Vale failed to pick up Larkin who attacked down the wing. Vale's back four were struggling to get back from the counter attack, and his low ball across the face of the Vale goal was met by Kirk at the far post and slotted home for his second of the afternoon on 32 minutes.

Vale found themselves 2-0 down without really being outplayed, and were creating much more in the Northampton box than they were in the Vale box. Rodgers was again on fine form and only a fine save from the keeper stopped him from pulling a goal back before half time. But the home side pressed forward again, and it was Kirk who almost had a first half hat-trick but for a fine save from Anyon, after he met another fine cross from Henderson when the Vale defence again let him terrorise them down the left.

Half Time Northampton Town 2 - 0 Port Vale

Glover made a tactical change at the start of the second half, bringing in out of favour winger Tudor to try and salvage something out of the game. Vale switched to a more familiar 4-4-2 line up. After a spell of ten minutes constant pressure from Vale, Tudor proved his worth when he met McGoldrick with a great pass 16 yards out. He dropped his shoulder and turned well, then fired the ball into the top corner for a stunning strike to get a goal back for the Vale.

Tudor began to do to the home side what Henderson had done to the Vale in the first half, and attack down the flank. He almost levelled on 59 minutes when he forced a fine save from the keeper. Then his fine pass found Rodgers in space and his shot rattled the post on 62 minutes. Whatever Glover had said in the half time team talk had worked as Vale poured forward at every opportunity, leaving the home side thinking they were playing a different team. As the half went on it looked more and more likely that an equaliser would come but Vale squandered the good possession and failed to put their chances away. Glover threw on Richards for the tiring McGoldrick for the final 15 minutes, and Harsley went off with a slight knock to be replaced by Hulbert.

As the half drew to a close Vale had a good shout for a penalty turned down in the final move of the match. Tudor broke into the Northampton box and was taken out by a rather rash challenge from Johnson, but the referee waved the protests away, and Vale were forced to rue their missed chances as he blew the final whistle.

Glover was pleased at the side's fightback in the second half, and whereas the defeats by Luton and Hartlepool seemed to zap the teams confidence, this result leaves Vale showing they can create chances, they just have to put them away. He said " The games has given me an unbelievable amount of encouragement. As long as the players are performing like they are, that will breed confidence into the side and allow them to progress forward. As a club we need to start climbing the league, but if we keep playing like the second half today, and stop conceding early goals and making defensive errors we will be okay. We are creating chances, we just need to start converting them "

Final Score Northampton Town 2 - 1 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Mark McGregor (Shane Tudor 45)
Ashley Westwood
Justin Miller
Paul Harsley (Robin Hulbert 84)
Craig Rocastle
Danny Whitaker
David McGoldrick (Marc Richards 76 Booked 94)
Luke Rodgers
Danny Whitaker

Subs Not Used

Colin Miles
Callum Willock

Today's Attendance: 4,755

Man Of The Match: David McGoldrick

League One Positions

21. Cheltenham: Pl 10 W 2 D 3 L 5 GF 8 GA 14 Pts 9

22. Port Vale: Pl 10 W 2 D 2 L 6 GF 8 GA 12 Pts 8

23. Bournemouth: Pl 10 W 2 D 2 L 6 GF 9 GA 15 Pts 8

Port Vale Vs Cheltenham Town Tuesday 2nd October 2007

2007-10-07T14:30:00.000+01:00

Port Vale were 'handed' a huge boost as they got their first league win at home with a brilliant display. The result would of been a huge boost to both the players and caretaker manager Dean Glover, looking to stake his claim for the job. Glover will of been pleased with the teams display as they continued the good work started on Saturday, when they were unlucky to end up with no points against Southend. The players seem to be pulling together, and this ended up being the best the team had played since pre-season. Glover made one change from Saturday, bringing in Justin Miller for Keith Lowe.

The game started slowly and both sides seemed to be sizing each other up, leaving the small crowd in attendance wondering if it was just going to be another one of those nights. The only real chance in the first quarter of the game came when Talbot thread a ball through to Rodgers, who in turn passed to McGoldrick. His shot was on target but the keeper got down to it without much difficulty. The game lost its way a little but Vale maintained the possession well, with Cheltenham hardly touching the ball. Vale got their rewards on 21 minutes with a controversial opener. Paul Edwards put a great ball through to Rodgers, who threaded a great ball to strike partner McGoldrick. McGoldrick slid in with the keeper in close proximity, and appeared to bundle the ball over the line with his hand. Not exactly 'hand of god' but as things as they are Vale will accept any goal this season. After most of the away fans and Cheltenham players argued the validity of the 'goal' the ref consulted with his linesman to see if the goal would stand, and to the delight of the home crowd and McGoldrick, the goal was given. McGoldrick became only the second player to score for the Valiants this season, with Rodgers getting all the other five goals.

The goal appeared to give Vale a welcome boost in front of goal, with the players now having the mindset that they and not only Luke Rodgers could actually score. Even a sending off did not dampen the spirits of the team. Jason Talbot and Andy Lindegaard went in for a ball in the 24th minute. Both appeared to wrestle each other to the ground before exchanging elbows while trying to get free. The referee consulted the linesman, and the pair were both shown the red card. This was Talbot's fifth dismissal in just 38 appearances for the Vale and means a three match ban just as he had got back into the team.

Vale coped better than the visitors after being reduced to ten men, in fact you couldn't really tell we had a player missing as the team pushed on to add to their lead. They could of had the game all over by half time with McGoldrick, Miller, Edwards, Whitaker and Harsley all having efforts going wide. In fact the only Vale player who was missing out on the free flowing play in front of goal was Rodgers, but the little man was creating lots of space for his team mates to have their moment of glory. The half ended with Vale well on top of the game, and Glover would of been happy with the team, although his half time talk would of been to make sure the team stayed on top and didn't conceded any stupid goals from a lack of concentration.

Half Time Score Port Vale 1 - 0 Cheltenham

Vale stared the second half as they had finished the first half. Vale dominated the opening proceedings of the half as they set up camp in the Cheltenham half. Vale created chance after chance with Edwards, Rodgers and even Pilkington going close to adding to the lead. But as Vale pushed on Cheltenham could of scored with their only dangerous effort of the game on 57 minutes. Gill crossed the ball over the retreating Vale defence, and Connors header went just wide.

As the pressure from Vale slowed a little, Glover brought on Richards for McGoldrick to demoralise the beleaguered Cheltenham defence further. The chance almost had an instant response, as a through ball from Whitaker was latched on to by Richards. He raced into the box and unleashed a pile driver of a shot which was just tipped over by the keeper.. This seemed to get the Vale fans back behind their team and they responded with a goal that will be an early contender for Vale's goal of the season. Edwards, who had been switched from the wing to left back after Talbots sending off, picked up the ball on 73 minutes, from 35 yards out and mazed his way through the ever tiring Cheltenham players. He strode past three attempted challenges before finding himself clear in front of goal. He confidently slotted the ball home past the stranded keeper before disappearing under a scrum of delirious team mates.

Glover Must of felt a huge sigh of relief as the second goal went in, and his next target was a clean sheet. He made a couple of changes to make shut up shop, bringing on Hulbert for Whitaker and Tudor for Rodgers in the last ten minutes. As an effort from a Cheltenham player flew over the roof of the Hamil End, Vale would of been confident that tonight's work was done, but greater reward was to follow.

With two minutes left on the clock Richards won the ball and found Tudor in space on the right. He slid the ball through to Rocastle, who had just been given man of the match over the tannoy, and he capped off a fine display as he ran on to slot the ball past the stranded keeper. The game was over and a jubilant Vale team returned to the dressing room feeling that after all the recent bad luck, that this result may finally get the season back on track.

After the match Glover was obviously overjoyed at the result, and praised his players. He said " The players are capable of plying good football like this if they believe in themselves. The chairman came down to congratulate me and the team on the result and this makes my case for the vacant managers position a little easier but that decision lies with the board. I think the red cards were harsh on both players and it did tip the balance of the game in our favour, even if we were also a man down. The tussle looked worse than it actually was and I think a booking would of been fair. Our first goal was a bit dubious to say the least, but the linesman was in a position that was favourable to us, and we are happy with that. If it takes a goal like that to kick start our season then we will take it every time "

Final Score Port Vale 3 - 0 Cheltenham

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot Sent Off 24
Justin Miller
Mark Mcgregor
Paul Harsley
Dany Whitaker (Robin Hulbert 81)
Craig Rocastle
David McGoldrick (Marc Richards 67)
Luke Rodgers (Shane Tudor 85)
Paul Edwards

Subs Not Used

Keith Lowe
Callum Willock

Today's Attendance: 3,102

Man Of The Match: Craig Rocastle

League One Positions

20. Oldham Ath: Pl 8 W 3 D 0 L 5 GF 9 GA 11 Pts 9

21. Port Vale Pl 9 W 2 D 2 L 5 GF 7 GA 10 Pts 8

22. Millwall: Pl 9 W 2 D 2 L 5 GF 6 GA 10 Pts 8

Port Vale Vs Southend United Saturday 29th September 2007

2007-10-01T20:27:00.000+01:00

A new dawn is about to begin at Vale Park. The departed Martin Foyle has left the club looking for a new manager to steer them away from relegation worries, and make a swift rise up the league. Rumours are abound at the next man to take the helm, apparently Adrian Heath and Brian Little were both at the match, and Paul Ince and Ian Brightwell are both rumoured to be the only two applications the board has received on paper, although over twenty phone applications have supposed to of been taken. But for now the responsibility fall's on Foyle's assistant manager, Dean Glover, to take the reins for the next couple of games at least, and to maybe throw his name into the mixing pot if results go his way.

Vale were forced into two changes before the game. In came Lowe for the suspended Westwood, and Jason Talbot was brought back in at left back, with Edwards switching to his preferred left wing role. Southend would of started the game as heavy favourites, and Vale were on the backfoot from the off as the visitors hoped the weeks upset would of affected the players. Southend are a much more physical side than Vale would of wanted to of played today, but it was Vale who grew in confidence as the half progressed, and could of scored four goals in the first half hour, but when your at the bottom luck seems to desert you as well.

Vale had the first shot in anger, when a McGoldrick free kick, won after Luke Rodgers was bundled over 25 yards out, whistled just wide of the post. Vale again pressed the visitors when Whitaker won the ball from a corner and attempted to chip the defence. Harsley latched onto the ball and fired his effort into the arms of the keeper. Southend were pressured again as Whitaker broke clear and volleyed at the goal, but his effort was smothered away by the keeper.

As the half wore on Southend were under more pressure from the Vale and it was Rodgers who was again the main threat for the home side. McGregor crossed the ball to Rodgers on 25 minutes, but his effort was fired into the side netting. But as Vale seemed to be on top of the game they fell behind to a poor refereeing decision which led to the visitors taking the lead. Gower broke free from half way when a ball was played over the top. He clearly brought the ball down with his hand, but it was missed by both linesman and referee, and he was allowed to run on. As the Vale midfield and back line desperately appealed for handball, he played the ball into the path of on loan Leon Clarke, who blasted home from 20 yards past the helpless Anyon. The confidence Vale had built up seemed to instantly drain away, and Southend started to create chance after chance. And the referee seemed to be very lenient towards the visitors, as every tackle from the Vale seemed to lead to a free kick for them, while they seemed to be able to tackle the Vale at will with no repercussions from the officials.

As the half drew to a close Harlsey was clattered into with a nasty challenge by former Vale player Peter Clarke. The resulting melee left Harlsey flat out on the floor, with most of the players involved in a scuffle. The ref waded in and broke it all up, then went to the linesman to see what had gone on. As he walked back, several Vale players argued as the referee looked like he was going to let the foul go with no action taken. As he waved for play to continue, Rocastle continued to make his feelings known, and he was shown a yellow card. This summed up Vales luck in the first half, and from the resulting move from Southend they got their second goal in injury time. Gower broke down the right and played the ball into the area where McCormack slotted home from 10 yards out. Although they had been much the better side, Vale had a mountain to climb in the second half.

Half Time Score Port Vale 0 - 2 Southend United

Vale came out of the blocks from the off at the start of the second half and should of scored on 48 minutes. Rodgers ran free of the defence and fired a fierce shot which the keeper could only parry away. Edwards got hold of the ball but his shot was blocked by the keeper. McGregor got forward from the back and his 20 yard shot went just over the crossbar. McGoldrick and Rodgers were looking lively up front, and McGoldricks through ball to Rodgers had the Southend defence rushing back to block the little strikers effort on goal. Harsley then pulled clear on 55 minutes to play in Edwards, but his stinging shot was pushed wide by the keeper. Vale had a penalty claim turned away by the referee on 57 minute when McGoldricks shot appeared to hit a defender on the arm, but the claim was waved away by the ref.

They had better luck a minute later as Rodgers cut into the area and was felled by a crunching tackle. The little man got up to take the spot kick. Despite the Southend players attempts to put him off with delay tactics, he slotted the ball home confidently to score his fourth of the season.

Rodgers had the ball in the net again a minute later when he latched on the an over the top ball from Edwards. He raced on and blasted the ball past the stranded keeper, but he was given offside and the 'goal' was disallowed. The goal seemed to give Vale a boost of confidence, and Glover brought on Tudor for Whitaker to try and stretch the visitors down the right. As it seemed the Vale's McGoldrick had nothing left in the tank after a spirited performance today, he was replaced by Richards on 68 minutes. But the changes seemed to back fire on Vale as their attack's ran out of steam and Southend yet again began to dominate with some feisty challenges.

Tudor had not done much since he came on, but he had a golden chance on 75 minutes. He broke clear of his marker and raced into the area, but his shot went wide. Glover made his final change, bringing on Willock for Edwards, who had impressed today on the wing getting in some good crosses for Rodgers.

Vale threw men forward with four minutes of injury time being played, but the Southend defense stood firm and they held on to win the match. It was an improved performance by the team today for Glovers first game in charge. But the lack of confidence at the back was all to clear, and out inability to keep a clean sheet looks likely to be a very difficult problem to solve. We looked a much better side than in the last home game, and even though we lost, we can take some positives out of the game. Southend were no better than Vale, and just took their chances better than we did. We need to stop conceding silly goals, and maybe even try scoring first, instead of falling behind. It of course doesn't help when the referee's we seem to get all appear to of had lifts of the opposition's team bus, as our players seemed unable to ever get the rub of the green. Certainly we got more positives than negatives out of the match today.

Final Score Port Vale 1 - 2 Southend United

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Mark McGregor
Keith Lowe
Craig Rocastle Booked 45
Danny Whitaker (Shane Tudor 64)
Paul Harsley
David McGoldrick (Marc Richards 67 Booked 83)
Luke Rodgers
Paul Edwards (Callum Willock 77)

Subs Not Used

Robin Hulbert
Justin Miller

Today's Attendance: 3,969

Man of The Match: Luke Rogers

League One Positions

22. Millwall Pl 8 W 1 D 2 L 5 GF 4 GA 10 Pts 5

23. Port Vale Pl 8 W 1 D 2 L 5 GF 4 GA 10 Pts 5

24. Bournemouth Pl 8 W 1 D 2 L 5 GF 5 GA 12 Pts 5

Martin Foyle Departs As Manager

2007-09-26T18:33:00.000+01:00

A sad but inevitable day today as Vale parted company with Martin Foyle as manager after a string of bad results left Vale at their lowest league position for over 4 years. Martin will always be remembered as a Vale legend, and had great success as a player for the Valiants.
The second-highest scorer in the history of the club with 107 goals in 356 appearances. Foyle was signed for a then club record fee of £375,000 from Oxford United and was leading scorer in 1991-1992, 1993-1994 and 1998-1999. He was also voted Player of the Year on two occasions. Foyle was a member of the Autoglass Trophy winning side, the 1993-1994 promotion winning team and scored famous FA Cup goals against Stoke City and Liverpool. After retiring he became a coach and then Vale manager. Unfortunately he could not emulate his success as a player into being manager.

Bill Bratt Official Club Press Release

" It is with regret that the Club wish to announce that they have parted company with Martin Foyle by mutual consent. Martin has been a great servant to the club as a player under John Rudge, when he joined as a player from Oxford United, as a Youth Coach and finally as Manager - a total of some sixteen years.

During his time as manager his actions in the transfer market with players who had progressed from his youth squad have helped stabilise the Club since Valiant 2000 took over in 2003. No-one could have worked harder or longer to try and bring success to this club. Everyone at the club wishes Martin all the very best for the future and he will always be welcome at Vale Park "

Martin Foyle's Press Release

" I would like to thank the Chairman, Bill Bratt, and Vice Chairman, Peter Jackson, for giving me the opportunity to manage the Club I care so much about. We have had an excellent working relationship and they have both been very supportive in anything I have asked to do. I have been in charge for 3 1/2 years and have enjoyed the management role and have learnt so much in such a short space of time. The time is now right by going our own ways.

The club has progressed so much after coming out of administration and that credit is due to everyone at the Club. They have put in a lot of hours without getting their just rewards. A big thank you to my close friends and loyal staff who have backed me 100% in everything I did or said and I hop I have helped them individually to have a long career in football. I wish the players well and I hope they get the results for the hard work they have put in. They have been a credit to work with and with the support from everyone they will soon be back in the top half of the table.

Lastly I would like to thank the supporters who have been great to me over 16 years continued service at the Club. I know they have appreciated my loyalty which is very rare in football today. I have received some lovely letters an e-mails recently and I will be replying to them asap.

Best wishes and good luck to everyone at Port Vale."

Vale have put the vacant managers job up for grabs now, and no doubt rumours will be flying round about who will take over. For now Foyle's assistant Dean Glover will take temporary charge of team affairs for the match against Southend on Saturday. So far it has been rumoured that Glover may take over the job, or possibly Andy Porter, but both are inexperienced. Also rumored to be up for the post are Mike Newall, ex Luton boss, Martin Allen ex Brentford and Lou Macari ex Stoke manager, all of whom have managed successfully at this level. I personally feel if Vale want to progress then one of these must be in the frame, although I would not be apposed to Vale trying for another ex player Neil Aspin taking over at the helm. He has done an excellent job at Harrogate in the last couple of years and would be a favourite with the fans and has had experience of working with a small budget.

Foyle will be missed for his loyalty to the team as a player, coach and manager, and it is disappointing that his departure ended with sections of the crowd calling for his head, but football is an ever changing sport, and we are not the only club to depart with a hero. I wish Martin all the best in whatever he decides to do in the future and as a final tribute here are some of his greatest moments to remember him by.

Luton Town Vs Port Vale Saturday 22nd September 2007

2007-09-25T21:07:00.000+01:00

Port Vale's bad run continued as they slumped to defeat at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. The pressure on Foyle now was increased as the teams performance left a lot to be desired by the travelling supporters, who let their frustrations be heard at the end of the game, yet again calling for Foyle's head. As it happens Vale should not of expected a result at Luton, the last time they won there was 1898, so the odds were against them from the start.

Foyle bowed to the crowd and started with Luke Rodgers alongside Callum Willock with McGoldrick playing just behind them in a three pronged attack, leaving Tudor on the bench. But the lack of width played into Luton's hand's, and Vale were run ragged from start to finish. To add to Foyle's despair his best player from recent weeks was sent off, leaving the next few week's looking increasingly difficult to see us picking points up from.

Luton started the better side and almost scored in the third minute after Goodall met Bell's corner, but Anyon saved well from the header. Goodall was a constant thorn in Vales side, and his through ball on 25 minutes had Anyon working again, when a through ball to Spring forced another save from the Vale keeper. Vale's only effort of the first half came when McGoldrick cut in and shot from 25 yards out, but his effort flew wide of the post. Vale fell behind on 29 minutes when veteran Paul Furlong n=met a cross from Bell and he volleyed home from 8 yards out leaving Anyon no chance.

Vale almost fell further behind when a Bell free kick was sent across the Vale goal line before Morgan blasted over the bar. But worse was to come for Vale on 43 minutes. Referee gave Vale a free kick for a foul on Whitaker, but Vale were prevented from taking it quickly. Westwood took it upon himself to dispute the decision by the ref as her gestured to the referee, but the ref was not amused, and sent the player off for foul and abusive language.

Westwood stood his ground to argue the decision, but that only made things worse as tempers both on and off the pitch flared, but this left the Vale with a mighty uphill task. Harsley switched to right back as McGregor went to center half in an attempt to fill the gap, but the second half was going to be a long one as the players trudged off to the away fans chants of 'Foyle Out'!

Half Time Score Luton Town 1 - 0 Port Vale

The second half saw not much change from the first half, with Vale on the back foot from the off. Harsley was replaced by Miller on 53 minutes as Luton began to show their dominance over Vale's 10 men. Furlong and Morgan continued to pressure the Vale back line, and Anyon had to scramble to save a weak header from Furlong. Vale then had a spot of luck when the referee disallowed what would of been Furlong and Luton's second goal for a foul in the area, Furlong disputed and was booked for his comments, funny how Westwood was sent off for his. Vale the brought on Richards for Willock on 61 minutes to try and give McGoldrick and Rodgers some help. Rodgers again had looked the only Vale player likely to score and his 20 yard shot was Vale's first of the half on 68 minutes. But it was again Luton who looked more dangerous, and efforts from Spring and Edwards were both saved well from Anyon. Tudor replaced McGoldrick on 71 minutes, but Vale were still looking more likely to concede than score themselves. The inevitable happened on 85 minutes when a sweeping move met Bell 25 yards out, and his shot fired passed Anyon into the goal off the post. Late on Vale got their first corner of the match on 90 minutes, and Tudors fine ball was met by Rodgers and headed past the keeper from close range for his fourth goal of the season. Vale threw everything forward in injury time but it was too little to late for the Valiant's.

Final Score Luton Town 2 - 1 Port Vale

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Mark McGregor
Ashley Westwood Sent Off 43 minutes
Paul Edwards
Paul Harsley (Justin Miller 53)
Craig Rocastle
Danny Whitaker
Callum Willock (Marc Richards 64 Booked 74)
Luke Rodgers
David McGoldrick (Shane Tudor 77)

Subs Not Used

Robin Hulbert
Jason Talbot

Today's Attendance: 6,084

Man Of The Match: George Pilkington

League One Standings

22. Millwall Pl 7 W 1 D 2 L 4 GF 3 GA 8 Pts 5

23. Port Vale Pl 7 W 1 D 2 L 4 GF 3 GA 8 Pts 5

24. Walsall Pl 7 W 1 D 2 L 4 GA 5 GA 11 Pts 5

After the game came a shock for the Vale fans who had called for Foyles head throughout the game, when keeper Joe Anyon was called over by a group of disgruntled Vale fans. But their comments fell on deaf ears as Anyon, one of Vales best players in recent weeks and a target for several Premiership clubs defended his under fire boss. Anyon said " The fans were shouting Foyle out and this that and the other and I shouldn't of got sucked in to it but I wanted to get mine and the players point across. They should try and do his job and see how hard it is working with what he has got. Its not like we are like the Forest's of this league who can go out and buy players. Forest were below us and underachieving and have players earning £7000 a week. We have players on £700 and £800 so its a totally different ball game. The manager has tried to bring players in, but you can only work with what you have got at a club like Vale "

Under-fire boss Foyle said after the match " We worked really hard in training all week but when we got on the pitch we just froze. We know what we want to do but it's just not happening for us at the moment. One or two didn't do the job's they were told too, but the referee didn't help matters. We have had some terrible ref's this season, but you can't talk to them as it's a waste of time. He sent Ashley off for saying something and if you appeal he may get a five match ban instead of three, so it's not worth it. The game changed after the sending off and we had a mountain to climb. "

This leaves Vale in 23rd spot in the league and deep in relegation trouble. This has been Vale's lowest league place since Foyle and Bratt took over three and a half years ago. Although only seven matches into the season, Vale have not once looked like getting anything out of the games they have lost, so the defeats were from poor performances, not from trying but being unlucky. The manager is quick to blame the players for their lack of 'carrying out his instructions' but if his instruction are bad then they will be playing poorly to his tactics. Anyon was right to defend his boss, all good players will do that. But his comments about the lack of funds being to blame baffle me! Foyle brings in the players with his limited budget, but when done and said all it his him that has signed them, so if they are not good enough then he is to blame. I feel for Foyle as he is loyal to the Vale and was a true hero as a player, but not all players make good managers, and Foyle's tactics are confusing enough for the fans let alone the players. Chairman Bill Bratt has got to take the lead in this matter, as if we slip into League Two then the gate's will drop to less than they are now, with no Forest or Leeds turning up to boost the attendances. This club is better than the position it is in, and the player's are suffering from stage fright it seems. I think if the fans got behind them on Saturday against Southend they would respond, but if not they will falter as they did against Forest. If we lose again, then Bratt should consider showing Foyle the door and maybe bringing in somebody like Mike Newell to try and get us out of the bottom half of the table. A well known manager may attract better players in rather that a fading fans favorite.

Port Vale Vs Notts Forest Saturday 15th September 2007

2007-09-17T18:31:00.000+01:00

Poor, boring, incompetent, useless, unattractive, lack of passion, lack of guidance, inept, terrible. All good words that could describe all of Vale's home performances so far this season. One point from a possible nine and exit from the League Cup to a League Two side and all for the tidy sum of £71.00 if you were unfortunate enough to of had to of paid to get in. And are there any bright sparks on the horizon, well not from where I was sitting on Saturday. I cannot think of another club that starts it's top scorer from the bench, while the forward line put on the pitch would have a problem hitting a barn door with a very large target painted on it! And to top it all off we were out sang by a travelling support in the region of 2,500 (Don't believe The Sentinel there were more than 2,000 in Hamil End) which actually looked to have more fan's in than home fans! There is a deep crisis at the club at the moment. The manager looks clueless, but doesn't help himself with ludicrous team selection's. One of our best players has left, leaving a huge gap to be filled. The club is rife with takeover rumours. And the new signings have been on the whole appalling.

Forest were, on the whole, no better than Vale on the day. In the Forest line up was Neil Lennon, who clearly looks overweight and over the hill, and Kris Commons, the ex-Stokie who always plays well against Vale, started from the bench. The big named visitors have had as shaky start to the season as Vale have had, and were still looking for their first win of the campaign. They didn't have to wait long to get on top in this match. An early corner taken by Cohen was flicked on by Holt only to be blasted into his own net by Edwards in an attempt to clear the ball. They were unlucky to not be two ahead on five minutes when Agogo crossed in a ball which was met by Holt, whose fine header was saved by Anyon.
Vale were rocked by the early goal, but got there rhythm back as the half progressed. A chip from Danny Whitaker over the stranded Forest keeper landed on the roof of the net on nineteen minute's. McGoldrick then ran on into the box but his tame effort was knocked away by a Forest defender. Vale started the game with a change of partnership at the back, with Lowe coming in alongside Pilkinton, and Westwood moving to right back after Miller picked up a knock in training. This seemed to unsettle Pilkington, and Forest played on this throughout the half. Cohen easily beat Lowe, leaving Pilkington stranded, but in his eagerness to score, he dwelled on the ball to long and Westwood got back to clear up the danger.
Foyle was forced into a change when Lowe picked up an injury mid way through the half. This meant McGregor coming on as right back and Westwood slotting back in at his preferred center half position (Should of started the game with this back four Mr Foyle!). The change seemed to settle the Vale and they did start to push on towards the end of the half.

Rocastle , who has started to settle into the center midfield role, won the ball in the middle and threaded a ball to Harsley, but his low shot drifted wide of the post. Wilson then clattered into McGoldrick on the edge of the Forest box and from the resulting free kick Vale produced their best effort of the half. The ball was swung in by Harsley, and only a superb reflex save from the Forest keeper Smith denied Westwood equalising for the Vale.

Half Time Score Port Vale 0 - 1 Notts Forest

Vale had ended the first half well, and built on that almost from the start of the second half, when Whitaker missed another golden opportunity to equalise. McGoldrick won the ball and raced goalwards slipping the ball through to Whitaker, whose 20 yard shot was parried away by another great stop from the Forest keeper. As the goal drought looked far from over, Foyle decided to listed to the fan's and bring on Luke Rodgers on 52 minutes. He was involved almost straight away when he latched onto a Rocastle pass and curled his shot just wide. The pair were involved again when a neat one-two left Tudor in space, but his shot went tamely wide.

Forest appeared to be feeling the pressure a bit as Vale pushed on, and Calderwood brought on Kris Commons on 69 minutes to a chorus of boos from the Vale fans. As the half wore on Vale seemed to loose their grip on the game and Foyle decided to bring on Willock to add a bit of height to the forward line. But it was Forest who again went closest on 73 minutes when Holt shot just over the bar. In a final push Vale again threatened when a Tudor corner was met by the impressive Westwood, whose header was claimed by the keeper.

The final few minutes found Forest having the better of the chances. The first came on 85 when Cohen crossed and Holt headed into the path of McGregor, who cleared the ball. But with three minutes left on the clock they got a second goal when Commons crossed in and Chambers was unmarked to give Anyon no chance from eight yards with a fine downward header. Vale had the final chance of the game when McGoldrick chested down Tudors cross but could only find the keepers legs with his tame effort on goal.

Final Score Port Vale 0 - 2 Notts Forest

After the game Foyle blasted the team for their efforts in what should of been one of the biggest home games of the season. He criticised the lack of quality passes to the front pairing of McGoldrick and Richards and inexplicably blamed Edwards for the first goal, even though it was an own goal he was not that bad on the day, and ended up one of the better players on the pitch. Foyle will have to reconsider starting Rodgers from the bench, as he is our only scorer this season, and is the only player who seems to know where the goal is. It will be a tough away trip next week to Luton, and they will start heavy favourites. Foyle needs to pick his strongest eleven every week, and not the players on the biggest wage of transfer fee. Only when Lowe went off did the confidence get better at the back, and he was as much to blame for the first goal as Edwards, as his poor marking allowed the header in the first place. The fans all seem to think Rodgers can score the goals this term to get us up the league, but he is continued to start from the subs bench. He is a much better prospect than Richards, but Foyle persists with his " Main Man " Richards despite him rarely having a shot on goal let alone on target. Big changes are required and fast, or Vale will be in deep relegation trouble, and Foyle could well be on the management scrapheap. As a fan I hate to see one on my heroes struggle as Foyle appears to be doing, but the good of the club is at stake, and we cannot go on playing this way and not getting results. Forest were no better than us, but they created two clear chances and scored them both. Out finishing was woeful in the final third of the pitch, and Foyle tactics and team selection leaves a lot to be desired.

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Ashley Westwood
Keith Lowe (Mark McGregor 26)
Paul Edwards
Paul Harsley
Shane Tudor
Craig Rocastle
Marc Richards (Luke Rodgers 52)
David McGoldrick
Danny Whitaker (Callum Willock 71)

Subs Not Used

Robin Hulbert
Jason Talbot

Today's Attendance: 6,521

Man Of The Match: Ashley Westwood

League One Standings

20. Walsall Pl 6 W 1 D 2 L 3 F 5 A 8 Pts 5

21. Port Vale Pl 6 W 1 D 2 L 3 F 2 A 6 Pts 5

22. Millwall Pl 6 W 1 D 1 L 4 F 3 A 8 Pts 4

Johnsons Paint Trophy Second Round Draw

2007-09-10T23:00:00.000+01:00

Port Vale's only realistic chance of a shot at Wembley this year looked like getting a tough start as the draw for the Second Round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy was made this week. Vale received a bye in the first round, and would of hoped for a home tie in the tough Northern section, where they are in with the big boys such as Leeds United and Huddersfield, but they got a tough away tie at League Two Newcomers Morecambe, manager by former Man Utd favourite Sammy McIlroy. The ties are to be played week commencing October 8th. The full second round draw is as follows.

Northern Section

Wrexham/Macclesfield v Stockport

Carlisle v Chester

Morecambe v Port Vale

Rochdale v Bury

Doncaster v Oldham

Darlington v Leeds

Lincoln City v Hartlepool

Rotherham v Grimsby

Southern Section

Hereford v Yeovil

Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth

Swindon v Cheltenham

Swansea v Wycombe

Milton Keynes Dons v Peterborough

Brighton v Barnet

Leyton Orient v Dagenham & Redbridge

Gillingham v Luton

Walsall Vs Port Vale Saturday 8th September 2007

2007-09-10T20:30:00.000+01:00

Port Vale hoped to make it back to back wins in this early afternoon kick off at Walsall today. The home side have had a poor start to the season, as have Vale, and would of also looked to gain all three points against a team who has not won at Walsall for sixty years. The home side included former Vale favourite Danny Sonner and ex loan player Rhys Weston, who both joined Walsall in the summer after their promotion last year.

Vale started unchanged from last weeks win at Bournemouth, with striker Luke Rodgers again starting from the bench. The Pilkington - Westwood partnership was continued, and has started to leave the back line looking very strong. Both side's exchanged half chances throughout the first half, and Joe Anyon again showed why several Premiership clubs have been looking at the young keeper in the last few weeks. Sonner was of course the target of abuse by the Vale traveling support after his departure on not so good terms in the summer, and this seemed to fire him up as he created and had Walsall's best chances in the first half. A Sonner corner on 12 minutes created the first real chance, when Dann volleyed well over from 10 yards out. McGoldrick again looked lively up front for Vale, and his shot was saved by Ince after a good run past two defenders. Vale pressed on again and Paul Edwards again impressed at left back, whipping in a cross which Whitaker met, but sent his 25 yard effort wide. The game almost went Vale's way on 25 minutes when a throw launched into the area by Miller was met by Pilkington, but his effort went just past the post. Sonner then had Walsall's best effort of the half from a free kick, awarded when Harsley handballed just outside the area. Sonner bent the ball over the wall towards the bottom corner but Anyon got down well and tipped the ball around the post.

Neither side really looked like breaking the deadlock, but an effort from Wrackmon 44 minutes nearly put the home side in front at the break. A great ball from Hall put Wrack in and he rounded Anyon but was pushed out to wide, giving Edwards time to get back and block the resulting shot and clearing the danger.

Half Time Score Walsall 0 - 0 Port Vale

Walsall came out of the blocks first at the start of the half. Anyon spilled a cross from Weston and was bundled into by Roper, but his shot went wide and the Vale's call for a free kick fell on deaf ears. McGoldrick then played a neat exchange of passes with Richards at the other end. Richards turned on the edge of the area and shot, but his effort just clipped the crossbar and went over.

Vale continued the pressure and both McGoldrick and Richards went close again. Shane Tudor was again impressive, and his jinking runs had Roper twisting and turning all afternoon. Vale decided to bring on Rodgers on 70 minutes to see if he could snatch a winner as he did last week. This time he attempted to be provider, as he slipped an inch perfect pass to Richards, who shot over from close range. Foyle then brought on Hulbert for Whitaker, and Talbot for the tiring Miller, who was lucky to of played after being ill before the kick off. Neither side really threatened again, and both seemed happy with a point and a clean sheet. The result meant Vale had their second consecutive clean sheet on the road and had gained four points from six in two games they clearly were not favourites in pre kick off, maybe a corner had been turned from Foyle's men.

Final Score Walsall 0 - 0 Port Vale

After the game manager Martin Foyle had this to say " I thought Pilkington, Westwood and Anyon were outstanding today, but one or two players looked a bit jaded. We have been training hard this week and some may be feeling the effects of it today. Our retention of the ball was very poor this afternoon. We knew this would be a difficult place to come and get a result. Our track record here is not that good and we rode our luck at times but we did create some good openings. A draw was probably a fair result but we need to create more chances at the right times "

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Justin Miller (Jason Talbot 79)
Ashley Westwood
Paul Edwards
Paul Harsley
Shane Tudor (Luke Rodgers 69)
Craig Rocastle
Marc Richards
David McGoldrick
Danny Whitaker (Robin Hulbert 74)

Subs Not Used

Keith Lowe
Callum Willock

Today's Attendance: 4,967

Man Of The Match: Joe Anyon

League One Standings

13. Northampton Pl 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 Pts 5

14. Port Vale Pl 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 Pts 5

15. Swansea Pl 4 W 1 D 1 L 2 Pts 4

AFC Bournemouth Vs Port Vale 1st September 2007

2007-09-05T20:01:00.000+01:00

With the loss of Akpo Sodje this week Martin Foyle was looking for a big ask from his players to dig deep and grind out a result at Dean Court today, and the team responded with a hard fought, but well deserved first win of the season. Foyle must of been fearing that his job may of been on the line if today's result had gone against him, but the new signings of McGoldrick and Westwood after Sodje's departure filled the gap left by the big man and give Vale's season the kick start it so badly needed. Vale have had good fortune in recent time's here on the south coast, with a 2 - 1 win in 2005 and last seasons 4 - 0 hammering of Bournemouth in a one sided display in December.

The first 45 minute's were dominated by a rampant Vale side, and they could of been four clear by the break. All of the early pressure was in Bournemouths half. Craig Rocastle finally found some form as he raced into the box on 3 minutes only to have his shot saved by a stunning interception from a Bournemouth defender. Vale seemed to have been working on their passing in training this week, as they were more fluid, and the ball seemed to find its target on every occasion. Danny Whitaker seemed to benefit from this the most with several great chances in the first half. His first effort from 20 yards just sailed past the post on 4 minutes, but his next effort almost put the Vale ahead. Paul Edwards started today in the left back position, and played a great cross into the path of Marc Richards. He played the ball across the area, and Whitaker timed his run to perfection, but was denied by a fantastic reflex save from Begovic. Ex-England star Darren Anderton now plies his trade here at Dean Court, and he produced a bit of magic that almost gave the home side a shock lead. His whipped in cross was about to be met by Jo Kuffour, but a smart piece of goalkeeping from Anyon and a great clearance from new boy Westwood kept the scores level.

Vale's other new boy was equally impressive at the other end of the pitch. Whitakers superb through ball on 29 minutes was met by McGoldrick but his shot was bundled away by Begovic. Bournemouth rallied towards the end of the half with a series of corners and free kicks, but Vale stood firm at the back and the scores remained level at half time. All that was missing from Vale's hard work was a goal.

Half Time Bournemouth 0 - 0 Port Vale

Vale started the second half in the same dominant mood as the first, but Bournemouth grew in confidence too as a great diving save from Anyon kept the first effort of the half out. Vale responded again at the other end with McGoldrick going close again from 12 yards out. The home side had a penalty appeal turned down on 54 minutes, when Kuffour was bundled over by Pilkington when trying to reach a cross by Gradel, but the Vale skipper got enough of the ball and ref Andy D'Urso waved play on. Shane Tudor picked up his first card of the season after a 58th minute foul on Cummings. This led to Bournemouth's only spell of sustained pressure on the Vale goal in the match. Bradbury and Kuffour were both denied by brilliant saves from Anyon.

Vale weathered the storm well as the back line stood firm, and this paid off with them regaining the upper hand as the Bournemouth rally died out. Tudors run into the area almost got Vale a penalty when he was felled by Cummings. Whitaker and Rocastle both went close as Vale went in search of a winner. Foyle had a trump card on the bench with Luke Rodgers,who he brought on for Richards on 73 minutes. The little man looked as eager as ever, and Vale started to look more and more dangerous. A great through ball from Whitaker to Rodgers almost had him scoring from his first touch, but his shot just went wide. He made no such mistake with his second effort on 82 minutes. Rodgers jumped on a loose ball on the edge of the area, held off his marker and sent a blistering shot over the head of stranded keeper Begovic. Vale made two changes to eat up the remaining time, bringing on Lowe and Willock as Bournemouth threw everyone up to try and get an equaliser, but the Vale held out the remaining time to get their first win of the season.

Final Score Bournemouth 0 - 1 Port Vale

Martin Foyle was obviously delighted after the match, and had this to say about his super sub Rodgers. " Luke is a bundle of energy. We have changed the side around a lot to try and get the right mix, and Luke has come on with a point to prove and I like that in a player. I have seen too many player's happy to sit it out on the bench but Luke is not like that. Our tempo has been good in training and its been hard to transfer that into matches, but today it all came good. We defended confidently today, and definitely deserved all three point's "

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Justin Miller
Ashley Westwood
Paul Edwards
Paul Harsley
Shane Tudor (Keith Lowe 88)
Craig Rocastle
Marc Richards (Luke Rodgers 73)
David McGoldrick (Callum Willock 85)
Danny Whitaker

Subs Not Used

Robin Hulbert
Jason Talbot

Today's Attendance: 5,444

Man Of The Match: Paul Edwards

Sodje Departs For Pastures New

2007-09-03T19:38:00.003+01:00

Port Vale have today reluctantly had to sell star player Akpo Sodje to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday for £250,000 rising to £300,000. The player handed in a transfer request after wanting to play at a higher level, and who can blame him for bettering himself. Sodje did not disgrace himself like a certain Mr Constantine did last season, and had nothing but praise for Vale and manager Martin Foyle for developing him as a player after his move from Darlington last season. Despite his short time at Vale, Sodje's tireless displays established him as a fans' favourite, and he was named player of the year at the end of last season.

Sodje said "I'm very confident the club will get through this spell. Everyone says there's a lot of pressure, but Martin is a very good manager. As a former striker himself, he helped me throughout my time at the club to improve. I really hope the fans can give him a chance this season. He has done a lot for the club and hopefully the fans will be patient. I still think he can get the team into the play-offs. It would have been ideal to play in the Championship with Vale, but I didn't have time to wait when there was an opportunity to join Sheffield Wednesday."

Of Sodje's highlights at Vale, few fans will forget his superb four-goal haul in the 5-1 defeat of Rotherham in March - a feat which equalled a 114-year-old club record. But the imposing front man says he will look back on his whole Vale career with fondness. He said: "I loved every minute of it, from the day I arrived to the day I left. There are so many great memories for me and I can't pick one out. I just want to thank the manager and the chairman for the opportunity they gave me, and also the fans. I'm leaving on good terms and it's sad for me because I had a great time. In the end, I had to follow my dream of playing at a higher level. I'd like to think, though, that the club is getting a good deal for me and that will help them in the future."

I would like to wish Akpo all the best for the future, and I hope he has a great career ahead of him at Sheffield, I'm sure the fan's there will love him as much as we have here at the Vale. He has proved to be as much a gentleman off the pitch as on it, and he will be missed by everyone at the club.

As one door closes another one opens, and with Akpo's departure Foyle dipped into the transfer market to add two new faces to his squad. David McGoldrick has joined on loan from Southampton until Christmas and Ashley Westwood has join on a short term deal after being released from Northampton. Joe Cardle has also gone out an load to Scottish side Clyde to gain some vital first team experience.

Ashley Westwood

David McGoldrick

Port Vale Vs Hartlepool United 25th August 2007

2007-09-03T18:17:00.001+01:00

The drawing board put up by Martin Foyle needs a damn good clean today after this drab performance by Vale in their second consecutive defeat of the season. The sunshine that covered Vale Park this afternoon was the only bright spark in today's fixture as Hartlepool took advantage of some poor play by Vale to gain their third win in a row, and give Foyle food for thought after his 'drastic changes need to be made' speech after the Yeovil and Wrexham defeats. It seems the changes may have o be more drastic than he first thought, as this defeat heaped pressure on the manager with sections of the crowd already calling for his resignation after only three games.

Foyle dropped Vales only goalscorer Luke Rodgers?, the best midfielder Danny Whitaker?, and center half Keith Lowe(one out of three isn't bad), and brought in Marc Richards, Paul Harsley and Colin Miles (big improvement then!) to try and get what should of been three points at home, but the changes brought the exact opposite, with Vale being outplayed from the off, and being lucky to keep it at 2 - 0.

It was a perfect start for Hartlepool as they went in front from their first move of the match. Brown ran through Vale's midfield unchallenged and laid the ball into the path of Matt Robson who rolled the ball past the stranded Anyon to make it 1 - 0 after six minutes. After making all the changes to the team Vale looked all at sea for the first goal and it just exploited the embarrassingly poor marking. Vale did create some half chances, with Harlsey going close on 13 minutes and Miles had a good header pushed wide from a good Edwards corner. transfer target Sodje looked jaded, and this may of hampered his shooting boots as his chances looked never likely to trouble the Hartlepool keeper. Vale's inability to score seemed to give Hartlepool the boost they needed, and Humphreys and Robson created chance after chance for Hartlepools front line duo, with only a string of good saves from Anyon keeping the score down to the single goal.

Half Time Port Vale 0 - 1 Hartlepool United

The boo's that Vale walked off too at the end of the half seemed to give them a slight lift, as they came out for the second half with more purpose than in the first. Tudor got past with a blistering run just after the break only to have his cross well cleared by Nelson. Tudor again created a good chance taking on the Hartlepool left back and whipping in a cross, only for the ball to be knocked away from danger by the Hartlepool defense. Just on the hour mark Harsley had Vale's best chance as his low shot went through a crowded box only o hit the post and go wide. Richards reacted well to the loose ball and with the goal beckoning and the keeper stranded, Antwi arrived to knock the shot out for a corner.

As the pressure from Vale started to subside in the heat, Foyle made the double change and brought on Rodgers and Whitaker to try and keep up the challenge to score after 66 minutes. Instead of lifting the team this seemed to dry up Vale's chances, and give Hartlepool the incentive to push on the tired looking Vale team. Both Brown and sub Foley went close for the visitors. Vale did push on to try and equalise, but the poor defensive work let in Hartlepool with three minutes left on the clock to score a second and kill the game off. Brown ran again unchallenged past the Vale midfield and back line to fire past Anyon to make it 2 - 0 and leave Foyle with egg on his face, and Vale with only 1 point so far this season.

Final Score Port Vale 0 - 2 Hartlepool United

This result leaves Vale with no win so far this season, and with three tough games to come, things are unlikely to improve. Transfer targets Anyon and Sodje will be a huge blow if they leave the club, and the play-offs will be about as far away as they could ever be if we lose our best players. Foyle has got to stop messing with line up changes that don't work, and negative tactics at home, to give us any real chance of progression with this squad. Too many of his summer signings are way below the standard of the players we let go, and if this continues then being a nice guy won't cut it with the fans, who pay good money (It costs more for a season ticket to watch the Vale in League One than Derby, Birmingham, Wigan and Sunderland in the Premier League!) to see sub standard performances like this, against teams we should be beating. It is only three games into the season, bit we have missed out on a money making League Cup tie against Aston Villa after the cup exit and we don't look like scoring again this season if the players are going to be as edgy as this for the rest of the year. Half-fit players like Marc Richards should not be being picked above fully fit players like Luke Rodgers, especially when they miss open goals from six yards out! A lot has to improve at this club or the relegation favourite's tag may become a reality.

Port Vale Line Up

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot
Colin Miles
Justin Miller
Robin Hulbert
Shane Tudor
Paul Harsley (Danny Whitaker 66)
Marc Richards (Luke Rodgers 66)
Akpo Sodje
Paul Edwards (Callum Willock 77)

Subs Not Used

Craig Rocastle
Keith Lowe

Today's Attendance: 3,978

Man Of The Match: Shane Tudor

Yeovil Town Vs Port Vale 18th August 2007

2007-08-19T15:27:00.000+01:00

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

Joe Anyon
Mark McGregor
Jason Talbot (Paul Edwards 71)
Robin Hulbert
George Pilkington
Keith Lowe
Shane Tudor (Marc Richards 56)
Craig Rocastle (Paul Harsley 56)
Akpo Sodje
Luke Rodgers
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

2007-08-15T18:23:00.000+01:00

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

Joe Anyon
George Pilkington
Jason Talbot (Colin Miles 105)
Robin Hulbert (Paul Edwards 85)
Keith Lowe
Mark McGregor
Shane Tudor
Craig Rocastle
Callum Willock (Marc Richards 76)
Luke Rodgers
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

2007-08-12T18:07:00.000+01:00

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

Joe Anyon
Mark McGregor
George Pilkington
Robin Hulbert
Keith Lowe
Jason Talbot
Shane Tudor
Danny Whitaker
Akpo Sodje (Callum Willock 62)
Luke Rodgers
Craig Rocastle

Subs Not Used

Mark Goodlad
Paul Harsley
Colin Miles
Justin Miller

Today's Attendance: 6,808

Man Of The Match: Robin Hulbert