Match report from the Johnstone's Paint Trophy
Tuesday 8th October 2013
Port Vale v Rochdale
Johnstone's Paint Trophy
2612 including 107 visiting supporters At Vale Park
Attendance: Doug Loft,Louis Dodds, Sam Johnson, Anthony Griffith Lee Hughes,Richard DuffySUBS: Tom Pope. Ben Williamson,, Chris Birchall
In came Daniel Jones, making his long awaited return from injury. He was joined in the starting eleven by Louis Dodds and Jennison Myrie-Williams. Liam Chilvers, Chris Birchall and Anthony Griffith were all on the bench.
Vale made three changes to their starting line-up, showing their intentions to take the competition seriously against a Rochdale outfit perfectly capable of progressing into the next round.
Robbie Thomson, Ashley Easthem. Scott Hogan, Matt Done, Joe Bunney SUBS: Josh Lillis, Joe Rafferty, Oliver Lancashire, Peter Vincenti, Bastien Hery, Jack O'Connell, Jamie Allen, Michael Rose, Graham Cummins, Gary Dicker, Ian Henderson. ROCHDALE:
The visitor looked to be up for it right from the whistle and Vale struggled to cope with the quick, sharp passing and movement of the Rochdale team, though Chris Neal didn’t have a save to make.
Much of the action was inside the Vale half of the pitch during the opening quarter of an hour, with Vale having the odd sortie up the other end on occasions.
minute when Graham Cummins got in behind the Vale defence but his low angled drive flew harmlessly past the far post.rdThere was a let off for Vale in the 23
Vale were having a lot more of the ball by then, but still neither ‘keeper had much to do apart from take the odd goal kick.
GOAL: who planted firm header into the net from close range.JOE RAFFERTY minute the visitors, who had made five changes coming into the game, deservedly went in front when a left wing cross from Michael Rose was met at the far post by thIn the 40
A Vale corner early in the second half ended in a scramble inside the box and Tom Pope turning sharply, only to fire over the crossbar.
There was a bit more urgency in Vale’s play at the start of the second half but still no clear signs of an equalising goal on the horizon.
minute Vale made a substitution with the introduction of Lee Hughes to replace Ben Williamson up front and seven minutes later Chris Birchall came on for Louis Dodds.rdIn the 63
Chris Neal was came to Vale’s rescue when he raced out of his area to make a block when Vale got caught cold, but most of the action was now up the other end of the pitch.
Despite all of Vale’s possession and the pressure, still Rochdale ‘keeper Josh Lillis had very little to do, partly due to Vale’s inability to hit the target and partly due to good defending by the visitors.
When skipper Doug Loft fired over the bar two minutes from time after Lee Hughes had created an opening, it was clear it wasn’t going to be Vale’s night.
Next up is Peterborough United. Vale need a much better performance on Saturday if they are to upset one of the promotion favourites.