Report from Ladysmead
minute of the game.thAfter six straight pre-season wins, Vale’s record finally came to an end at Ladysmead after James Mudge had put Tiverton Town in the driving seat as early as the 11
minute when Ben Williamson headed home.rdDespite having most of the possession and creating several chances, Vale were unable to find an equaliser until the 83
Defender Richard Duffy and striker Tom Pope returned to the starting line-up, each of them missing the win against Bodmin Town due to ankle injuries.
The only Vale player not to make the squad was winger Ryan Lloyd, who missed out with a slight thigh injury, forcing him to watch the game from the sidelines.
minute, despite Vale looking much the better of the two up to that point.thThe home side surprised the visitors when they got their noses in front in the 11
GOAL: with an opportunity to beat Chris Neal from close range and he took it.JAMES MUDGEA stray back pass by Ryan McGivern presented
Although Vale were having much of the possession, they were certainly not having things all their own way, with the home side keenly contesting every ball.
Vale went close to an equaliser after Mark Marshall skipped inside from the right, only to be brought down just outside the area.
Chris Lines lined up the resulting free kick, bending the ball over the wall and towards the top right hand corner, but Chris Wright in the Tiverton goal did well to hold it under his crossbar.
Vale freshened things up at the start of the second half with the introduction of Colin Daniel, Ben Williamson, Chris Robertson, Chris Birchall and Sam Johnson all getting a run out, while Chris Neal, Adam Yates, Michael Brown, Louis Dodds and Mark Marshall all get a well-earned rest.
minute when Richard Duffy’s cross from the right was controlled on the edge of the box by Tom Pope.rdVale had a great chance to level things in the 53
The Vale striker then turned sharply to fire at goal, only to see his shot hit the post, then the ‘keeper, before rolling across the face of goal before it was eventually hacked away.
Ben Williamson headed just over the bar when he reacted quickly when Pope nodded a Chris Lines free kick back across goal.
minute.rdVale were still having the better of the play, but still they couldn’t find an equaliser for love nor money – that is until the 83
GOAL: and he made no mistake with a powerful stooping header to level the scores.BEN WILLIAMSONRichard Duffy’s deep cross from the right was met by
TIVERTON TOWN: Jed Harper-Penman, Jimmy Hinds, Khalid Badavi, Tom Tricker, Jess Howe, Ed Weeks, Alex Faux, Ethan Phillips.SUBS:Chris Wright, Jake Wannell, Josh Searle, James Richards, Steve Goss, Tom Gardner, Jamie Hatch, Adam Bilcock, Owen Howe, Dan Western, James Mudge.
PORT VALE: Sam Johnson, Colin Daniel, Michael O’Connor, Chris Birchall, Ben Williamson, Chris Robertson, Nathan Smith, Ryan Boot.SUBS:Chris Neal, Adam Yates, Carl Dickinson, Ryan McGivern, Richard Duffy, Louis Dodds, Chris Lines, Tom Pope, Michael Brown, Steve Jennings, Mark Marshall.