ASPIN: WE ARE NOT SAFE YET
GOALS from Danny Pugh and substitute Ben Whitfield gave ten-man Port Vale a crucial win over a Chesterfield side who remain in the bottom two – one that Vale boss Neil Aspin felt was well-earned.
Vale had to a battle hard for their first win in 2018 after goalscorer Pugh was sent off seconds before half time following a high tackle on Jacob Brown.
“It was no game for the fainthearted,” said Vale boss Neil Aspin. “But the win was well deserved. It means we now go into Monday’s ‘derby’ match at Crewe with an eight-point cushion between ourselves and the bottom two.
“We have sold out our ticket allocation and with the backing of 2,700 of our fans, we will be looking to make it two wins in a row. We’re not safe yet and we will be going all out to get all the three points.”
Vale were first to show serious intent, Tom Pope heading wide when well-placed from David Worrall’s right-wing cross.
Chesterfield’s riposte was to take the game to the home side. It almost paid off on 16 minutes as Zavon Hines’ angled drive was tipped onto the post by Ryan Boot.
The game was developing into a match of steely combat, most of it of the broadsword variety as both teams battled for points vital to Football League survival.
With half time approaching Vale broke the deadlock following good work on the right by Michael Tonge and Worrall – Danny Pugh side-footing home from close range.
The ball was barely in motion from the re-start when Pugh’s over-the-top challenge on Jacob Brown induced referee Tony Harrington to immediately produce his red card.
Vale’s play after the break lacked the fluidity of the first half.
And the equaliser came on 56 minutes when Sheffield United loanee Louis Reed’s curling twenty-yard free-kick had Boot clutching at air before nestling into the left-hand corner of the net.
Soon after, a surging run by substitute Ben Whitfield began in his own half and ended with a cross from the by-line which saw Pope head wide at the far post as Vale manfully battled for a winner against a resolute Chesterfield defence who competed for every ball.
Bournemouth loanee Whitfield is a sprightly, skilful player with feet as nimble as concert pianist’s fingers and his darting runs had Chesterfield on the back foot. In the 82nd minute, Whitfield netted Vale’s second and ultimately decisive goal. Having switched to the left, Whitfield showed Bradley Barry a clean pair of heels before cutting inside and firing into the corner. “It brings added pressure to Monday’s game against Newport,” said Chesterfield boss Jack Lester. “But a win and the two games we have in hand makes me believe we will be safe come the end.”
Lester’s Chesterfield remain four points from safety with just eight games left to play.
PORT VALE: (4-4-2): Boot 7, Raglan 7, Howkins 7, Smith 7, Montano 7, Worrall 7 (Harness 88 N/A), Tonge 6 (Kay 54 6), Pugh 5, Hannant 8, Pope 7, Barnett 5 (Whitfield 57 7) Subs not used: Davis, Hornby, Turner, Gibbons
CHESTERFIELD: (4-4-2): Ramsdale 7, Barry 7, Whitmore 6, Nelson 7, Talbot 5, Brown 6 (O'Grady 86 N/A), Reed 7, Weir 6, Hines 6 (Kay 81 6), Dennis 6, Kellett 6 (Dodds 81 6) Subs not used: Anyon, Smith, Maguire, McCourt