Frustrating New Year as Vale are stung by Carlisle United fightback

An in-depth look at Port Vale on and off the pitch following the 2-1 defeat at Carlisle United

Port Vale boss Andy Crosby at the 2-1 defeat at Carlisle. Picture by Tom Green

Port Vale will be hoping their start to 2024 hasn’t set a precedent for the rest of the year as two late goals gave Carlisle a 2-1 win at Brunton Park.

Ben Garrity put Vale ahead on 49 minutes but they were hanging on when Jordan Gibson’s penalty levelled on 80 minutes after Nathan Smith fouled Jack Robinson. Joe Mellish then headed home Robinson’s 93^rd-minute corner to lift Carlisle off the bottom of the league and send Vale down a place to 15th.  

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