Vale win by the odd goal over Norton United
Vale recorded their third win in four days, alongside another clean sheet, with a hard fought victory over a well organised and hungry Norton United outfit on Tuesday night.
Tom Pope netted the only goal of the game and although Vale went close on several occasions they were unable to add to the score.
Pope was denied in the 4th minute when Joe Hemmings saved his close range effort and Mark Marshall cut inside and fired inches over the bar just seconds later.
But Pope wasn’t to be denied and he was on hand to head home from close range after meeting a right wing cross from Javan Vidal at the back post in the 10th minute.
Niall Green went close for the home side, but was denied an equaliser thanks to Sam Johnson’s save and Norton had to settle for a corner kick.
Mark Marshall was causing problems once again on the flank and cut inside to shoot himself on a couple of occasions.
Colin Daniel was a little unfortunate not to add a second for the visitors on the hour when he received the ball two yards inside the Norton box rushed his shot when he had time to control the ball first.
Vale substitute Omar Haughton was a little unfortunate not to add to the goal he scored the previous evening against Alsager Town – this time his low drive was kicked off the line by Sam Bradbury.
It was another good test for the Vale and although it was pretty obvious there were some tired legs out there, it was no more and no less than manager Micky Adams had expected at his stage of the season.