Port Vale battling the odds but stay in FA Cup

Analysis of Port Vale's goalless draw at home to Burton Albion as well as a look at issues on and off the pitch at Vale Park

Nathan Smith is sent off against Burton. Picture by Tom Green

Ten-man Port Vale earned a goalless draw at home to Burton in the FA Cup, and were left feeling they could have avoided the replay.  

Andy Crosby’s side were left up against it when Nathan Smith was sent off for bringing down Mark Helm on 18 minutes but, having dominated to that point, they then had at least an equal share of the game as they tried to win it with ten men.

Ryan Loft was denied by a superb save from Max Crocombe, on 86 minutes, but Burton thought they had won it before the offside flag ruled out Josh Walker’s strike in the seventh and final minute of stoppage time.

Please read on to read in full our Sunday edition of The Valiant for November 5.