Walsall FC vs Port Vale Match Review
Walsall FC vs Port Vale, commonly referred to as the Staffordshire derby, is a fixture with a long history dating back to the 21st October 1899, when Port Vale ran out 1-0 winners. Over the years, the Saddlers have won 29 out of 50 previous meetings against the Valiants. However, in the most recent encounter, Port Vale had come out on top, securing a 3-2 win at the Bescot stadium. With both sides having a big history in the fixture, the game provides an opportunity for both teams to claim bragging rights early on in the season.
A first meeting of the season between both sides following Port Vale's relegation ended in delight for Lee Grant's men comfortably winning 2-0.
The first chance to note arrived on the 28th minute mark when Kyle Dempsey latched onto a second ball, before paving the ball into the path of Ben Waine, whose effort was parried away from danger by Jed Ward.
The Valiants then threatened yet again after a free kick from Kyle Dempsey was cleared by Isaac Moore but only fell short of Jordan Gabriel who rocketed a golden opportunity over the bar.
Before the close of the half, the saddlers took the lead through James Connolly. A corner on the right-hand side from Courtney Clarke found Connolly at the near post who flicked his effort past Marko Marosi to give Walsall the advantage heading into the break.
HT Walsall 1-0 Port Vale
Following Walsall's goal, they continued to mount pressure with Mason Hancock's free kick drifting just past Marosi's goal. Then, Walsall probably should have doubled their lead with 15 to play after newly introduced Andrew Dallas had his goal bound effort blocked by fellow substitute Lewis Simper off the line.
In the dying embers of the game, Walsall finally doubled their lead. Elicha Ahui exchanged a neat 1-2 with Charlie Crew before driving into space and playing Andrew Dallas who curled a sublime effort into the top corner, from an awkward angle to make Walsall claim the bragging rights.
FT Walsall 2-0 Port Vale
Following the win, Walsall had the last laugh posting an edited version of the now infamous 'These are sh*t, Vale' video with Port Vale on the original post joking as to how they were 'sure this wouldn't come back to bite them'... oh how it did.
Written by @HMSFootyJourno
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