A late Jesse Debrah goal grabs a point for the Valiants against Grimsby Town in Sky Bet League Two.
The visitors took the lead thanks to a goal from Danny Rose in the 24th minute and doubled their lead shortly into the second half, with the striker getting his second goal of the game from the penalty spot.
The comeback started when Tolaj slotted the ball home, ten minutes from time. Vale pushed and pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded for their work in the 95th minute, when Jesse Debrah slammed the ball into the back of the net from close range to give Vale a late equaliser.
Following defeat to Carlisle United last time out, the gaffer made three changes to his starting eleven. Rekeem Harper, Sam Hart and George Byers came into the side replacing Rhys Walters, Jack Shorrock and Ben Garrity. George Byers captained the side in the absence of Ben Garrity.
In the opposite dugout, David Artell also made three changes to his side that suffered a 4-0 defeat to Swindon Town on Good Friday. Jake Eastwood, Tyrell Warren and Charles Vernam came into the eleven with Jordan Wright. Cameron McJannet and Luca Barrington all dropping to the bench.
The visitors got the game underway and had a good opportunity straight away from a long-range free kick. However, Charles Vernam’s effort sailed over the crossbar without providing Amos any trouble.
The Vale found themselves behind after twenty minutes. Grimsby broke down Vale’s left through Vernam, who forced a save out of Amos. However, Amos’ save fell kindly to Rose, who headed the ball into the far corner, giving Grimsby the lead.
With neither side creating any chances of note since this, the first half ended with the Visitors leading.
Vale came so close to equalising straight from the kick off. A long throw from Clarke found Smith, who forced a terrific save out of Eastwood in the Grimsby goal to keep the score 1-0.
Five minutes into second half Grimsby were awarded a controversial penalty following a tangle of legs between Byers and Vernam. Danny Rose took the penalty and converted it sending Amos the wrong way.
Grimsby came within inches of adding a third on the hour mark. Hume got the ball on the left-hand side and made a darting run inside before getting his shot away. Hume’s right-footed attempt seemed to have beaten Amos, but went just wide of the post.
Vale almost grabbed a goal back five minutes later. Tolaj broke through the middle of the pitch before playing a neat through ball to Stockley. Stockley then picked out Croasdale, who got his shot away from inside the box, but his effort was straight at the Grimsby goalkeeper.
Vale grabbed a goal back with just over ten minutes to play! Following a scramble in the penalty box, the ball fell to Tolaj, who controlled the ball on his chest and slotted home over the on-rushing Eastwood.
Absolute bedlam at Vale Park deep into stoppage time! With time running out, Vale kept pushing for the equaliser. A ball into the box was met by Stockley, but he was denied by another save from Eastwood. However, the ball would fall to Debrah, who slammed home from close range to give Vale a vital point!
Next up for the Valiants another huge game away at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday (12:30pm Kick off).
Port Vale XI: Amos, Clark, Hall, Smith (Headley 56’), Byers, Stockley, Croasdale (Richards 76’), Tolaj, Debrah, Hart (Walters 59’), Harper (Curtis 56’)
Unused substitutions: Broome, Hackford, Umolu,
Yellow cards: Clark
Grimsby Town XI: Eastwood, Green (Ainley 83’), Rodgers, Vernam (Obikwu 68’), Svanthorsson (McJannet 82’), McEachran (Barrington 88’), Warren, Tharme, Khouri, Rose, Hume
Unused substitutions: Wright, Burns, Luker,
Yellow cards: Svanthorsson, McEachran, Rodgers
