Familiar failings as Port Vale exit Trophy at Bolton

An in-depth look at Port Vale and their 2-0 Trophy defeat at Bolton Wanderers

Jayson Leutwiler saves Dan Nlundulu’s penalty but Vale were beaten 2-0 at Bolton. Picture by Tom Green

Port Vale are out of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy with a 2-0 defeat at Bolton on an evening when the quality of the opposition didn’t completely excuse the visitors’ failings.

Vale were found wanting defensively as Kyle Dempsey squared for Dion Charles to score a tap in, on nine minutes, then Carlos Mendes Gomes was played behind the defence to drill home the second on 64 minutes.

Just as concerning was Vale offered little threat at the other end, albeit against a strong Bolton side who are second in League One, 17 places above Andy Crosby’s side.

Jasyon Leutwiler saved Dan Nlundulu’s late penalty, the spot kick having been retaken for encroaching after the Bolton player scored at the first attempt. But that was little consolation for Vale or their travelling supporters as their run now reads just two wins from 16 games.

Please read on for analysis, news and opinion in this morning’s edition of The Valiant for Wednesday December 6..