Encouragement in strange Trophy drama

A look at Port Vale after they drew 1-1 at home to Wrexham in the Trophy before taking an extra point on penalties

Ben Amos is congratulated on his three penalty shoot-out saves by Ronan Curtis, left, and Ruari Paton. Pic by Tom Green

Hello and welcome to our Wednesday morning edition of The Valiant for November 13.

Vale’s penalty shoot-out victory over Wrexham had no bearing on their Bristol Street Motors Trophy group but will have given Darren Moore food for thought as he used the game to look at his fringe players.

Nathan Smith impressed on his return to the side as Moore made ten changes from his last league team and faced a Wrexham side who also made 10. There was also a debut for Rekeem Harper, Sam Hart made his return from injury and others got useful match minutes with Vale’s league campaign and promotion push in mind.  

The visitors were on their way to victory on 51 minutes when a corner was flicked on to Max Cleworth to hammer the ball into the roof of the net. But Rico Richards levelled with a strike from just inside the area eight minutes from time to ensure the game finished all square.

Both sides had already qualified for the knockout stages before this final group game and Vale finished behind Wrexham on goal difference despite the extra point they secure from the penalty shoot out win.

Ben Amos saved three spot kicks as Lorent Tolaj, Jason Lowe and Conor Grant all scored to ensure Vale finished the evening on a high.  

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We’ve got news, analysis, opinion and nostalgia in this evening’s edition so please read on….