Ronan Curtis’ goal earns Vale all three points against promotion rivals Notts County at Vale Park.
The Valiants got the game underway at Vale Park, but it was the visitors who had the first chance of the game, with seven minutes played. A ball into Vale’s penalty box was met first time by Conor Grant, who produced a fine save out of Ben Amos. Alassana Jatta then saw his effort blocked by a Vale defender on the line, and the ball was eventually smothered by Amos.
Vale began to knock against the Notts County door but couldn’t make any of the pressure count with a number of crosses from Kyle John just missing that final goal-bound touch.
County came close to opening the scoring just past the half-hour mark, with Conor Grant causing more problems. His first attempt was once again blocked by a Vale defender on the line before the ball fell kindly back to him. Grant then produced another top save out of Amos in the Vale goal.
The first half came to a close with Vale creating their best opportunity of the half. Following a looping Jesse Debrah throw in, the ball ricocheted around the box and Lorent Tolaj looked certain to head home the opener. However, County keeper Alex Bass got a firm punch on the ball to ensure the first half ended goalless.
Darren Moore was forced into a change five minutes into the second half, with Ronan Curtis entering the field for Jayden Stockley.
Vale had a great chance to take the lead with an hour gone. Lorent Tolaj was played through on goal and seemed to be pulled back by a County defender. Tolaj however stayed on his feet and got his shot away, only for it to be blocked behind for a corner.
This was shortly followed by another change with Jack Shorrock making way for Sam Hart.
The Vale made their second half pressure count by taking the lead with just over five minutes to play. A cross from Tolaj found an unmarked Ronan Curtis at the back post, who took the ball down and slotted calmy through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Notts County almost grabbed an equaliser four minutes into stoppage time. A free kick from the left was met by Mai Toure, but his headed attempt crashed against the crossbar.
Following eight minutes being added on and an excellent defensive performance, the Vale took home all three points.
Port Vale Starting XI: Ben Amos, Connor Hall, Nathan Smith, George Byers, Ben Garrity ©, Jayden Stockley (50’ Ronan Curtis), Ryan Croasdale, Lorent Tolaj (91’ Jemiah Umolu), Jesse Debrah, Jack Shorrock (65’ Sam Hart), Kyle John (91’ Rekeem Harper)
Unused Substitutions: Nathan Broome, Ben Heneghan, Antwoine Hackford
Notts County Starting XI: Alex Bass, Kellan Gordon (67’ Nicholas Tsaroulla), Rodney McDonald, Jacob Bedeau, Matty Platt, Conor Grant (81’ Mai Traore), Matthew Palmer ©, Curtis Edwards (81’ Jack Hinchy), Zak Johnson, Alassana Jatta, George Abbott
Unused Substitutions: Sam Slocombe, Robbie Cundy, Will Jarvis, Madou Cisse
