Report from Deepdale
Attendance: 3,836 including 286 visiting supporters
Tuesday 7thth October 2014
At Deepdale
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
Preston North End v Port Vale
Vale were knocked out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the first attempt at Deepdale, but the good news was the return to the score-sheet and an end to his goal drought for Vale striker Tom Pope as Vale lost by the odd goal in five.
Pope struck twice in the second half for Rob Page’s men, each one a trademark header, to give Vale something to smile about as they return to league action at the weekend
Vale made three changes for the second round ties against Preston, two of them enforced with Jordan Slew serving the first of a three-match suspension and Ryan McGivern away on international duty.
In came Chris Birchall and debutant Stėphane Zubar, whilst they were joined by Michael Brown who came in for Michael O’Connor, who was rested.
Vale were looking good in the opening minutes of the game, although Kyel Reid was causing a fe problems on the Vale right with his pace and trickery.
GOAL: to find the bottom corner of the net from 18 yards.CHRIS HUMPHREYIt was he who set up the goal when the home side took the lead on 13 minute, sending the ball low across the box for
John Welsh almost converted another low cross, this time from a similar ball played in from the other wing by Humphrey, but Welsh didn’t manage to hit the target, firing wide of Chris Neal’s left hand upright.
Stėphane Zubar blotted his copybook somewhat with a debut booking following a strong challenge on Reid 29 minutes in and a few seconds later Vale went close.
The visitors worked the ball up the pitch and Louis Dodds attempt to play the ball across the face of goal from the byeline was intercepted by defender Paul Huntington with Vale players queuing up in front of goal.
A 25 yard effort from Kilkenny two minutes before half time was easily dealt with by Chris Neal, who was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers, but it’s fair to say Vale were not being outplayed.
Yes, the home side had the better of the chances and yes, they probably had more possession, but you would expect that from the home side, especially one well positioned in the League One table.
Vale began the second forty five minutes in attacking mode, forcing two early corners as the pressed looking for an early equaliser.
GOAL:, who steered the ball inside Stuckmann’s left hand post.TOM POPE minute when a free kick taken from the halfway line by Chris Lines was met by the head of stThey got their just reward in the 51
It was Pope’s first goal in ten games – one which everybody will be hoping kick-starts the hard-working front man’s season back into gear.
A challenge on Michael Brown on the halfway line by Joe Garner left the Vale man requiring treatment, He was forced to leave the field of play, but was soon back in the action.
GOAL: beat Chris Neal with a sublime finish from the edge of the box, from where he scooped the ball up and watched it drop behind the Vale ‘keeper.JOE GARNER minute. rdThe home reclaimed the lead in the 63
GOAL:, who netted form a yard out.PAUL GALLAGHERSix minutes later Vale were effectively put out of the competition when Humphrey danced his way into the box to set it up on a plate for
Vale made a change almost immediately, Chris Birchall making way for Ben Williamson to come off the bench to play alongside Pope up front.
minute when Byron Moore came on to replace Michael Brown.rdVale made another change in the 83
Neal was forced to push a 35 yard shot by Preston substitute Josh Brownhill over his crossbar in the closing minutes of the game, but there was still time for another goal.
GOAL: met a Carl Dickinson cross from the left with a firm header to leave Stuckmann flat-footed.TOM POPE minute when thVale pulled on back in the 88
PRESTON NORTH END: Jamie Jones, Lee Holmes. Josh Brownhill, Nick Anderton, Jack Ryan.SUBS:Thorsten Stuckmann, Tom Clarke, Chris Humphrey, Neil Kilkenny, Paul Gallagher, Joe Garner, David Buchanan, Kyel Reid, John Welsh, Jack King, Paul Huntington.
PORT VALE: Sam Johnson, Chris Robertson, Ben Williamson, Colin Daniel, Byron MooreSUBS:Chris Neal, Adam Yates, Carl Dickinson, Richard Duffy, Chris Birchall, Louis Dodds, Chris Lines, Tom Pope, Michael Brown, Mark Marshall, Stėphane Zubar.