Encouraging signs as Vale go through

An in-depth look at Port Vale on and off the pitch after their 1-0 Vertu Trophy win at Doncaster Rovers

Rekeem Harper scores Vale’s late winner at Doncaster. Pic by Tom Green

Hello and welcome to our Wednesday morning edition of The Valiant for December 11.

Rekeem Harper’s stoppage-time strike sent Vale through to the last 16 of the Vertu Trophy as they clinched a 1-0 win at Doncaster Rovers.

The midfielder produced a composed finish after breaking behind the defence to meet Rico Richards’ through ball just as the game seemed destined for a penalty shoot out.

Darren Moore had made 11 changes and Rovers boss Grant McCann nine as their teams produced a finely-balanced contest in which Ruari Paton went close but Harry Clifton and Joe Ironside struck the woodwork for the visitors before the break.

Substitute Antwoine Hackford threatened with a couple of half-chances late on before Harper struck to edge the Vale a little closer to Wembley.

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