Ten-man Vale hold out for a point at Chesterfield
The Vale flew out the blocks and took the lead two minutes into the game. Connor Hall’s cross from the left wasn’t cleared and it fell to Jayden Stockley who turned quickly, before placing a low strike into the bottom corner to grab his second goal in as many games.
Vale’s lead was nearly doubled five minutes later when Ryan Croasdale’s flick on was met by Lorent Tolaj who headed straight at Max Thompson in the Spireites goal.
In the 22nd minute, Vale had Ben Amos to thank as he pulled off an excellent double save to keep his side ahead. Armando Dobra found space in the box before cutting inside and shooting towards goal, but Amos was on hand to save well. The rebound then fell to Tom Naylor who thundered a first-time effort towards goal which was saved again by Amos at the near post.
Port Vale were on top and came close to doubling the lead seven minutes before the break. Mitch Clark cut inside from the right before sending a low ball into the feet of Garrity who tee’d up Harper, but his first-time volley was weak and comfortable for Thompson.
Five minutes after the break, the Vale were reduced to ten men when Mitch Clark was shown a straight red card after a strong tackle on Bim Pepple. The Vale wingback went in for a 50/50 and was adjudged to have gone over the ball before catching Pepple on his foot.
Now against ten men, the hosts pushed for the leveller and had a good opportunity in the 56th minute when Tom Naylor’s goal-bound header was pushed wide by Amos. A minute later they squandered another good chance when Armando Dobra reacted quickest to Amos’s save before dragging the rebound into the side netting.
Experienced EFL striker Paddy Madden was bought on by Paul Cook and he almost made an immediate impact when he met Dobra’s deep corner, but his header went the wrong side of post and into the side netting.
Chesterfield’s pressure finally paid off in the 76th minute when Armando Dobra dispossessed Tom Sang before slotting past the onrushing keeper to level the scores and set up a nervy last ten minutes.
After almost seven minutes of added time, the referee finally bought an end to the game and despite the Vale being a man-light for most of the second half, Darren Moore’s side should great fight and desire to hold out for a point despite a Chesterfield barrage.
TEAM NEWS:
Chesterfield: Max Thomspson, Tom Naylor, Jamies Grimes ©, Liam Mandeville, Darren Oldaker (Kane Drummond 84’), Ryan Colclough (Paddy Madden 69’), Armando Dobra, Jack Sparkes (Branden Horton 90+1), Kyle McFadzean, Bim Pepple (Jenson Metcalfe 84’), Janoi Donacien (Ryheem Sheckleford 45’).
Subs not used: Ryan Boot, John Fleck.
Port Vale: Ben Amos, Mitch Clarke, Connor Hall, Nathan Smith, Ben Garrity ©, Jayden Stockley (Ronan Curtis 90+2’), Ryan Croasdale, Lorent Tolaj, Kyle John (Tom Sang 63’), Jaheim Headley, Rekeem Harper (George Byers 90+2’).
Subs not used: Nathan Broome, Ben Heneghan, Rico Richards, Jemiah Umolu.
