Vale Reserves held to a draw at St George's Park

Central League – Regional (West) Division

Burton Albion 0 Port Vale 0

Vale had the better of proceedings in a Central League reserve game played at St George’s Park, the home of the National Football Academy, but came up against a goalkeeper in top form.

minute.^thBen Williamson and Chris Shuker both went close early on as Vale took an early grip on the game. Sam Johnson saved well from Jimmy Phillips as Burton hit back. Joe Davis was making his first return from an injury suffered in the last reserve game but he was forced to leave the field with a knee injury in the 37

Rob Taylor also returned form injury and he went on a mazy run from the back only for his cross to be cleared. Louis Dodds had an effort well saved five minutes after the break before central midfielder Chris Birchall fired over.

Vale dominated the game in the second half and Williamson and Dodds both had shots well saved by Dean Lyness in the Burton goal. Chris Shuker was always a threat down the right and he set up Dodds who had a shot tipped over by the overworked ‘keeper.

With five minutes left Sam Morsy had a shot deflected just wide before Dodds again went close. Ryan Lloyd limped off with a twisted ankle and then it was Dodds again forcing the ‘keeper into yet another save.

Chris Shuker had the last chance in the final minute of the game when his shot was cleared off the line by Andy Corbett.

Vale team – Johnson, Yates, R.Taylor, Morsy, Price, J. Davis (Whieldon 37), Birchall, Shuker, Williamson, Dodds, Lloyd (Croft 85)

Subs not used – Boot, Pryor, Marland

Match Report - Phil Sherwin