Port Vale picked up a solid point away to Stevenage as they made it four points out of a possible six on the road this week.
Vale arrived at Stevenage in search of their second away league win on the bounce after such an impressive performance at Oldham.
Neil Aspin named an unchanged side with Ricky Miller returning to the bench at the expense of David Worrall, after serving a one match suspension.
Stevenage started well and had the best chance from the opening period. James Wildin was found in acres of space over on his right hand side in the Vale box, enabling him to cut inside onto his left but his finessed effort floated well wide.
After a nervous start, Vale began to find their composure, and were convinced they should’ve had a penalty. Connell Rawlinson met Whitfield’s scooped ball into the box and collided with the Stevenage defender. Despite the pleas from Neil Aspin, the referee waved play on.
Vale, encouraged by their own response, started to create chances and were unlucky not to take the lead. Mitchell Clark came close with an effort from a tight angle after some good build up play with Ben Whitfield, and Luke Hannant’s glancing header floated just wide of the post moments later.
All the hard work from Vale could’ve been so easily undone had it not been for the post. Connell Rawlinson’s back pass to Scott Brown fell too short, and Revell smelt the danger, who took the loose ball around Brown and it appeared destined for the back of the net. The angle however, became too tight and the striker could only find the post. A let off for the Vale.
As the first half came to a close, chances became a rare sight for both sides. Neil Aspin showed his hand first by introducing Ricky Miller for the second half in place of Ben Whitfield.
The little man proved pivotal in creating Vale’s first and best chance of the second half. Hannant’s in-swinging corner was fumbled by the keeper, and it was Popey’s effort that was denied moments later. Miller picked up the loose ball from the corner and drove the ball back across goal to Pope, but the keeper got down well to save the strikers snap shot.
Vale began to push and had the better of the opening second half play. Miller, hungry a goal, was getting into good positions and had some half chances but couldn’t turn them into goals.
The latter spells of the second half proved to be a lot less entertaining and creative as the opening 15. Both sides battling it out in the midfield and limiting any fast attacks. Ricky Miller still remained on the hunt for a goal, creating half a chance for himself with ten minutes remaining with his 20 yard effort sailing just wide of the post.
It was a well earned point in the south with hints that the Valiants were unlucky not to take all three, as they look ahead to Bury on Saturday.