Signs of hope but Reading defeat deepens Vale’s relegation fears

An in-depth look at Port Vale after their 2-0 defeat at Reading

Port Vale were beaten 2-0 at Reading. Picture by Tom Green

Port Vale’s performance at Reading provided some encouragement for their travelling supporters but another defeat leaves them deeper in relegation trouble.

Vale had an even share of a goalless first half and were withstanding Reading pressure in the second until Lewis Wing broke the deadlock on 76 minutes with a superb 25-yard strike after pouncing on a clearance from a corner.

Harvey Knibbs swept home the second, on 83 minutes, getting the last touch to a goalmouth scramble to leave Vale third from bottom.

Vale improved as Darren Moore changed from the club’s usual back three to a four in his second game in charge. Jensen Weir forced a fine save from keeper David Button early in the second half before Alex Mighten missed a chance from the rebound.

But Connor Ripley was forced into excellent saves to deny Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Femi Azeez before Reading’s pressure told.

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