LIVELY VALE HAVE RIBEIRO PURRING
PORT VALE manager Bruno Ribeiro could not contain his delight as his lively Vale side ran out comfortable winners against early pacesetters Scunthorpe United to rise to fourth in the table.
Vale produced their best performance of the season to out-think and out-play previously unbeaten Scunthorpe, who ended the game with nine men following the dismissal of defender Jordan Clarke for a second bookable offence and the loss of midfielder Kevin van Veen through injury.
“I am delighted with this performance and happy for the players and our supporters,” said a beaming Ribeiro.
“We controlled the game in the most important area, midfield. We played very well, the best we have played since I came here. I am disappointed we conceded, it was a poor goal to concede, players not attacking the ball, but it is okay, we can work on that.
“I was pleased to see Alex Jones score two goals. He gives us options. I told him to play wide and not to worry as he will score goals from that position.
“We still have much work to do but what pleases me is we are improving.”
Vale took the lead when Grant found Sam Foley on the left and from his deft through ball Anton Forrester’s angled drive evaded Daniels.
With the half-time tea brewing, the Iron drew level. A free-kick from Josh Morris on the right bounced awkwardly, evaded a packed goalmouth and nestled in the far corner.
The second half was only four minutes old when Vale regained the lead. A raking ball from Jerome Thomas on the left found Alex Jones free at the far post and the Vale man coolly side-footed home.
Clarke received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, a decision which did not go down well with Iron manager Graham Alexander, who was sent to the stands for remonstrating with referee Brendan Malone.
Vale put the game to bed with six minutes remaining when Jones notched his second, sliding the ball past the advancing Daniels.
“We had the better of the early exchanges,” said Alexan- der. “A couple of decisions went against us and it seemed to snowball from there.
“Jordan Clarke’s second booking was harsh. If it was a booking then there should have been more bookings in the game.
“I was attempting to tell the match official this. I was told to stand in my technical area. That I did, so why he then came over and sent me to the stands I am not sure.
“It was a bad afternoon for us. But even when down to nine men, the players kept at it looking to get something out of the game. With that sort of attitude we shall be
fine.”