The men in amber journeyed to Burslem in the Stoke area to take on Port Vale in another important game. It was sunny but in a chilly wind as 6730 including 254 of us who had travelled from East Anglia attended. For me it was my first visit to Vale Park for 50 years, the last being a 1-2 defeat in September 1973. The ground was similar, industrial in appearance but had been fitted out with seats. The U’s made 4 changes from losing to Charlton two weeks ago. Will Mannion in for Mitov who was ill on the day, a welcome return for Harrison Dunk, Conor McGrandles and Shilow Tracey all starting.
The home side kicked off playing towards the U’s fans, with a strong breeze behind them. The first chance fell for the home club with Harrison firing in a low effort well saved low down by Mannion. There was a scare after 7 minutes when the lively Ojo beat the square United defence and looked clear on goal, but as he was put under pressure he fired high and wide from 25 yards, it was a warning. In general though, the United defence, a solid back 4 was well marshalled by Ryan Bennett and Lloyd Jones, well backed up by Liam Bennett and the returning Harrison Dunk. United grew into the game and Sam Smith shot wide after being set up by Dunk.
Shilow Tracey was crunched by Forrester, a poor tackle from behind which earned the Vale man a yellow card. Worrall for Vale then took on Dunk and crossed for Harrison to head over. James Brophy was enjoying plenty of room on the vast Vale pitch and after being set up by Liam Bennett, fired just wide. Midway through the half, despite playing against the strong wind, the U’s were playing some good passing football. Moments later good work from the lively Brophy set up Tracey who fired inches over. Harrison Dunk then followed up with an effort but the Vale defence cleared. Dunk and Tracey were enjoying themselves on the left side, the home side were defending in numbers. As the U’s attacked again, Smith was caught offside when looking dangerous. In a now rare home attack, Robinson headed at goal from 10 yards but Mannion gathered easily. Shortly before half time there were loud shouts for a penalty for the U’s as Tracey was tackled in the area. It was too far away to judge but Tracey needed treatment and hobbled on worryingly. Ojo had an effort blocked before Jack Lankester shot inches wide after being set up by Brophy. Half time came at 0-0, the U’s could easily have been in front.
Harvey Knibbs replaced Shilow Tracey following a poor tackle on him in the first half. Moments into the half though a moment of real danger as a ball played forward to Taylor, who in turn fed Ojo whose thunderous effort was well saved by Mannion, it was, in fact to be the last real effort on goal by the home side. From a clearance by Mannion which found Brophy who passed to Lankester whose goal bound effort was saved by Stone in the home goal. Moments later and the U’s were in front. Brophy in fine form crossed for Lankaster to stretch out from six yards for Stone to save at full stretch, the rebound fell nicely for Sam Smith who fired home from 6 yards for 0-1. Smith ran towards the united fans and he showed his commitment to the club by kissing the United badge on his shirt. Moments later with Vale all over the place, United were racking up the chances with Smith having another effort blocked on the goal line before the rebound fell to Jack Lankaster whose goal bound shot was blocked. Moments later after a foul on Liam Bennett, Conor McGrandles fired in the free kick for Lloyd Jones to head home from 6 yards, it was 0-2 now and the U’s well on top.
The home side simply disappeared as an attacking threat and replaced Harrison and Conlon with Wilson and Butterworth. Butterworth fired well wide moments later. The U’s though were attacking at will and the home side were guilty of some poor passes with the impressive Brophy and Liam Bennett gaining possession. There was acres of space as Lankester set up Smith with Stone saving under the crossbar. Knibbs then fired in an effort which the overworked Stone saved at full stretch. You had to see this to believe it. At the back Ryan Bennett and Jones were equal to a number of long high balls aimed at the United goal. Incredibly Vale were opened up again with Brophy so close to adding a third which the back peddling Stone saved at full stretch.
Pett of the home club dumped Lankester on his backside and earned a yellow. Sam Smith having his best game for ages fired a free kick inches wide. It hit the side netting and for a second I thought it was in. Harvey Knibbs set up Liam Bennett who fired well over. Massey then replaced Forrester for the home team. Old adversary Matty Taylor (ex Oxford United) was up to his old tricks by going down a number of times, simple play acting that earned him scorn from United players and nothing from the referee, just get on with it mate. The same Taylor had a header following a Worrall cross but Mannion saved easily. Ojo became the third Vale player booked for a poor challenge on Brophy. United then replaced Lankester and Dunk with Okedina and Worman, both players leaving had put in a good shift.
At the end Joe Ironside replaced Sam Smith who had played really well but had been taking on two defenders for most of the game. The 5 minutes of stoppage time were played out in front of the United fans increasingly noisy as the game came to a conclusion. My son sat next to me, commented that United had applauded their supporters but did not overdo the celebration. There is still work to be done, but this victory will be a real shot in the arm. Great performances all round but mentions in dispatches for Liam Bennett, Jones, Brophy and Smith. You can do it lads with performances like this. It’s Good Friday and Fleetwood at the Abbey next.
Richard Stephen