The Valiants overtake Walsall after a pulsating 3-2 victory at The Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Five goals, two penalties and one disallowed goal all came in a frantic first half in West Midlands as the Vale picked up all three points to cap off a perfect week for the club.
Ahead of the game, Darren Moore named just one change to the side that saw off Bradford City in midweek. Kyle John was selected in the starting line-up, in place of Jack Shorrock, with George Byers back in the matchday squad as a named substitute. Walsall, meanwhile, named an unchanged team following their draw at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, with George Hall and Ethan Wheatley named on the bench.
The hosts made a rapid start to proceedings as they had the ball in the back of the net after just 12 seconds. Liam Gordon cut inside before driving a cross towards Jamile Matt who headed past Ben Amos. However, the goal was ruled out as Matt pushed Connor Hall in the build-up.
After the early warning, Vale took the lead in the 6th minute when Mitch Clark’s long throw caused chaos in the Walsall box before Lorent Tolaj acrobatically bicycle kicked Vale into the lead with a stunning effort that came off the post before hitting Sam Hornby and nestling into the back of the net.
It didn’t take the hosts long to reply as they were gifted the chance to level the scores a minute later. A strike from the edge of the box struck a Vale arm and the referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Taylor Allen stepped up for the hosts and sent Amos the wrong way before finding the bottom corner.
The frantic start to the game continued as the Saddlers went ahead in the 11th minute. A cross from the left found Levi Amantchi who shrugged off Connor Hall before slotting past Ben Amos.
After giving his side the lead, the Walsall forward had a great opportunity to double the lead when he went through on goal, but his dinked effort was saved by Amos who raced off his line.
The game finally settled down and it was the Valiants who were enjoying possession. Some good play down the left earned Vale a corner which Walsall cleared and broke from; Taylor Allen’s excellent run was met by a pinpoint through ball. Allen cut inside onto his left but could only fire an effort straight at Amos who saved comfortably.
Vale’s possession soon paid off when we levelled five minutes before the break. Mitch Clark’s long throw from the left was cleared as far as Ben Garrity who thundered a strike into the back of the net from the left side of the box.
Vale had the momentum and when the referee indicated six minutes off added time, there was still time for Vale to go into the break with the lead. Lorent Tolaj picked up a loose ball in the final third and drove into the box, he cut inside onto his left foot was tripped by Liam Gordon and a penalty was awarded. Tolaj himself stepped up and calmly slotted past Sam Hornby to put Vale ahead.
A hectic first half had a rather comical end as the sprinklers came on prior to the end of the half to give the players a much-needed cooling down. Eventually, the referee brought an end to a chaotic first half which saw Vale lead, go behind and then regain the lead.
Walsall had the first chance of the second half when Jamie Jellis’ cross fell kindly to Liam Gordon who scissor-kicked a volley over the crossbar.
Vale were pushing to double their lead and two decent efforts on goal in quick succession on the hour mark. Lorent Tolaj’s freekick from the left side whistled over the bar and then Mitch Clark had an effort from a similar angle which also went over the bar.
Vale were weathering the storm and dealt with the succession of Walsall corners. Ten minutes from time Vale ventured forward and had an attack of their own. Mitch Clark’s long throw was headed clear as far as Ben Garrity who connected well with a first-time volley but Hornby was on hand to palm it over the crossbar.
Vale were keeping the ball nicely and fashioned an excellent opportunity when Ronan Curtis played Ryan Croasdale in behind, but the Vale midfielder curled a first-time effort wide of the far post.
Walsall were unable to fashion a real chance of note as the Vale defence held firm and cleared everything that came towards them. After four additional minutes at the end of the game, the referee eventually blew his whistle and much to the delight of the near 2000 travelling fans who made the short trip down the M6.
After a productive week of three wins in as many games, next up for the Vale is a home fixture against Bromley on Saturday 12th April.
Walsall: Sam Hornby, Liam Gordon, Oisin McEntee, Jamile Matt (C) (Albert Adomah 73’), Levi Amantchi (Danny Johnson 84’), Nathan Asiimwe (Connor Barrett 45’), Taylor Allen, Jamie Jellis (Ethan Wheatley 73’), Ryan Stirk, David Okagbue, Evan Weir (George Hall 45’).
Subs not used: Tommy Simkin, Donveron Daniels, George Hall.
Booked: Liam Gordon, Nathan Asiimwe, Taylor Allen, David Okagbue, Danny Johnson
Port Vale: Ben Amos, Mitch Clark, Jesse Debrah, Connor Hall, Nathan Smith, Kyle John (Sam Hart 35’), Ryan Croasdale, Rhys Walters (George Byers 85’), Ben Garrity (C), Lorent Tolaj (Antwoine Hackford 85’), Jayden Stockley (Ronan Curtis 71’).
Subs not used: Nathan Broome, Jack Shorrock, Rico Richards.
Booked: Lorent Tolaj, Sam Hart
Attendance: 8,446 (1,988 away supporters)
