First half initially lacklustre, Stanley plenty of possession but mainly poking the ball around then the Vale men stirred things up about 22 mins in 1-0 Vale, against the run but quick attacks from them had the players dragging across the field. To much concentration down the right from Stanley with an occasional flurry through the middle as the Valiants took control of the centre Ground.
On 36 mins Billy Kee (again) levelled things up 1-1, coming from an attacking break from the Red men & the game settled into a tedious to-ing & fro-ing grind holding up to the Refs whistle for half time.
Start of the second & Stanley came out with the motors running looking to be better from the off but again too much concentration on the right wing, a couple through the middle & the odd punt along the left. 62nd min & all change "king Billy" once again showing his worth all ably assisted by the Man McConville! 2-1 Stanley.
Stanley pushed for about 10-15 mins but without any real joy the Vale men once again showed a tenacity that had the reds on the back foot, young Chappers, was somewhat more bothered by the Valiants resurgent but the boy done good with some timely stopping.
As usual with the Stanley, the last 15-20 were the worst for the onlookers, a fair bit of pressure but the mighty Red sponge soaked it all up but not without the odd scrappy scramble to maintain the scoreline :-
Port Vale 1-2 Stanley
Happy Days! Roll out the Nut Cutlet Crew Saturday & lets make mincemeat out of them (Just so long as it's Quorn/Soya they shouldn't mind
)