A double from Ben Garrity earns Vale all three points on opening day at the Peninsula Stadium.
The hosts were handed an opportunity after just six minutes when Conor McAleny was fouled on the edge of the box and the referee awarded a free kick in a dangerous position. Luke Garbutt stepped up with his left foot and struck a powerful effort towards goal that was palmed over the crossbar by Connor Ripley.
Vale took a while to settle but eventually grew into the game had their first effort after 24 minutes. Ronan Curtis won the ball back on the edge of the box and found Connor Hall who took aim, but Jamie Jones got down well and pushed his low effort around the post.
After a first half littered with stoppages and cards, the referee indicated five minutes of added time which Vale made the most of. Ronan Curtis’ corner from the right was deep and met by Ben Heneghan who saw his downward header saved but Ben Garrity reacted quickest to poke home from close range and sent the away end into raptures.
The second half was much like the second with the Vale having most of the ball and dominating the play.
In the 66th minute, The Valiants deservedly doubled their lead. Ronan Curtis’ corner from the left was perfect for Ben Garrity who powered a header home from close range to grab his and Vale’s second goal of the game.
The hosts looked to get back into the game immediately when Ben Woodburn worked space for a shot that was brilliantly saved by Connor Ripley who was at full stretch.
Salford pushed for a consolation goal in added time as Junior Luamba crossed from the byline but his cross was cleared by Tom Sang who made a great defensive run to maintain Vale’s clean sheet.
TEAM NEWS
Salford City: Jamie Jones, Ossama Ashley (Matthew Lund 73’), Stephan Negru, Cole Stockton (Marcas Dackers 59’), Kelly Nmai (Junior Luamba 73’), Jon Taylor, Curtis Tilt ©, Conor McAleny (Ben Woodburn 59’), Tosin Olopade, Luke Garbutt, Liam Humbles
Subs not used: Matt Young, James Chester, Dan Chesters
Port Vale: Connor Ripley, Ben Heneghan, Connor Hall, Ben Garrity © (Funso Ojo 86’), Ronan Curtis, Ruari Paton (Baylee Dipepa 66’), Ryan Croasdale, Loren Tolaj (Benicio Baker-Boaitey 66’) Tom Sang, Jesse Debrah, Sam Hart.
Subs not used: Ben Amos, Funso Ojo, Jason Lowe, James Plant, Jack Shorrock,.
