Port Vale

Rotherham 3-1 Port Vale
Mick Harford secured his first home win as Rotherham boss in their Carling Cup opener against Port Vale. His side went ahead four minutes before the break following a Steve Rowland own goal from a Jon Otsemobor cross. But Michael Cummins headed home a pass from Craig James to level proceedings on the stroke of half-time. Rotherham went 2-1 up when Deon Burton got his head to John Mullin's cross, then Otsemobor ensured the win with his goal in the dying seconds. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rotherham: Cutler, Otsemobor, Barker, Murdock, Robertson, Mullin, McLaren, Williamson, Keane, Butler, Burton (Worrell 88). Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Gilchrist, Hurst, Hoskins. Booked: Barker. Goals: Rowland 41 og, Burton 71, Otsemobor 90. Port Vale: Goodlad, Pilkington, Bell (Birchall 1), Abbey (Rowland 20), Collins, Dinning (Sam 77), Sonner, Cummins, James, Lowndes, Paynter. Subs Not Used: Brain, Matthews. Booked: Birchall. Goals: Cummins 45. Att: 2,809. Ref: C Oliver (Northumberland).

MK Dons 0-0 Port Vale
Wade Small missed a first-half penalty as the Dons' winless run continued. Aaron Wilbraham had already sliced a chance wide before Trent McClenahan was poleaxed by Jeff Smith and Marc Goodlad palmed Small's spot-kick away. A defensive error presented Vale's Billy Paynter with a great chance but Matt Baker tipped his effort wide. Smith was denied for by a diving block from McClenahan, while Goodlad kept out Gary Smith's drive as both sides pressed for the win in the second half. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Milton Keynes Dons: Baker, McClenahan, Lewington (Carrilho 60), Morgan, Crooks, Small, Mitchell, McKoy (Kamara 15), Edds (Smith 56), Platt, Wilbraham. Subs Not Used: Harding, Puncheon. Booked: Kamara, Smith. Port Vale: Goodlad, Cummins, James, Pilkington, Dinning, Sonner, Porter, Cornes, Lowndes (Birchall 43), Paynter, Smith. Subs Not Used: Matthews, Holmes, Brain, Prosser. Booked: Smith, Porter, Cornes, Goodlad, Sonner. Att: 4,592 Ref: K Hill (Hertfordshire).

Four clubs handed LDV Trophy byes
Two clubs from each geographical section have been handed byes for the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy. Bradford and Port Vale are the two northern teams selected, while Colchester and Walsall receive byes in the southern section. They were chosen in a draw at the Football League's Operations Centre. The full draw for the first round, involving the other 44 League One and Two clubs plus 12 Conference teams, takes place on Saturday, 17 September.

Port Vale 0-1 Colchester
Chris Iwelumo's shot from four yards out midway through the first half was enough to earn Colchester their first away win of the season at Port Vale. Kevin Watson's near-post corner was only helped on by Vale captain Sam Collins, with Iwelumo finishing off. Billy Paynter and Nathan Lowndes both went close to equalising before the break as Vale were sparked to life. Michael Cummins and Tony Dinning also nearly scored for Vale with Watson wasting Colchester's other best chance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Port Vale: Goodlad, James (Bell 74), Pilkington, Collins, Rowland (Cornes 74), Birchall, Dinning, Sonner, Cummins, Paynter, Lowndes. Subs Not Used: Brain, Cardle, Holmes. Booked: Rowland. Colchester: Davison, Stockley, Richards (Baldwin 80), Chilvers, Elokobi, Watson, White, Izzet, Halford, Iwelumo, Williams (Hunt 86). Subs Not Used: Gerken, Guy, King. Booked: Chilvers. Goals: Iwelumo 34. Att: 5,166. Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).

Vale sign Pools midfielder Clarke
Port Vale boss Martin Foyle have signed midfielder Darrell Clarke on a month's loan from League One rivals Hartlepool. Clarke, 27, is still recovering from a knee injury which kept him sidelined for all but one game - on loan at Stockport - of last season. "I just hope he can prove his fitness and go on and do something for us. He has that knack of getting into the box," Foyle told Vale's website. Clarke scored 22 goals in 98 starts for Hartlepool since joining in 2001.

Valiants cashing in on cutbacks
Port Vale manager Martin Foyle reckons cutbacks at rival League One clubs means that his team are in a better position to compete. Foyle, who became manager in February 2004, told BBC Sport: "Last year we made massive cutbacks to the playing side and it did affect the football. "But I knew that was part and parcel of what would happen if I took the job. "We now have a sound footing, whereas others are starting to come down a bit, the playing field is evening out." Vale are currently fifth in the League One table, with 21 points after 13 games. Last season was a struggle for Vale as they came to terms with the cutbacks necessary for the club to survive. Key players such as Paul Brooker and Steve McPhee left the club and the Valiants finished 19th in the division. It came as a big disappointment to the club's supporters, who had expected more given that Vale had only missed out on the play-offs on the last day of the previous season. "Since the message hit home that we could go bust and we almost went into administration again last season, the supporters have been brilliant," added Foyle. "I said we have to be patient and build again and we are turning the corner together. "If I had a big budget I would expect promotion - like at Bristol City or Doncaster - but trying to get people in for nothing and on low wages is difficult. "When another club becomes interested it becomes even more difficult." Foyle is juggling a small squad and early-season injury problems have not helped. Robin Hulvert broke his foot, then Hector Sam broke his leg. Half of Foyle's squad have carried an injury at some point this season, but the manager has so far managed to paper over the cracks with youth players and short-term signings. "We need a cup run, or an investor, to give us a kick-start because we aren't doing too badly," said Foyle, who joined Vale as a player in 1990 and has been at the club ever since. "Once I get my players back we have a decent squad. "I have only had one dilemma with team selection all season, that was with the opening game when I had to leave two players out. "I love football, especially at a club I have been at for so long, but you cannot achieve on your own. "If you have got the players on board it is surprising what you can do."

Foyle extends Togwell loan deal
Port Vale have extended Crystal Palace midfielder Sam Togwell's loan spell until the end of the season. The 21-year-old has scored three goals in 13 appearances for Vale, but boss Martin Foyle has been impressed by his recent performances. "I've been delighted at the progress he's made, he's impressed everyone at the club," Foyle told Vale's website. "I'm pleased to have Sam for the rest of the season. He's improving all the time and will make a big difference."

Port Vale recruit Stags full-back
Port Vale have signed full-back Jason Talbot from Mansfield and hopes to keep on-loan Bristol City defender Clayton Fortune to the end of the season. Fortune, 23, has played 16 games for Vale since signing in November but has a hamstring injury at the moment. Vale have also taken over the contract of 20-year-old left-back Talbot, which runs until the end of the season. The former Bolton youngster has previously played a couple of practice games for Vale's reserve side.

Port Vale move to retain Togwell
Port Vale have made an offer for loanee Crystal Palace midfielder Sam Togwell. Togwell, 21, has been on loan with Vale since November and boss Martin Foyle wants the move permanent when the transfer window re-opens in the summer. "Sam has done well for us and I feel that is our reward for going out to watch so many games," Foyle told the Stoke Sentinel. Talks are reportedly on-going between the two clubs with Togwell still under contract at Selhurst Park for a year.

Doncaster 1-1 Port Vale
Leon Constantine snatched a late equaliser for Port Vale as the visitors made Doncaster pay for failing to convert their domination into goals. Rovers had the best of the first half with Leo Fortune-West heading against the bar and James Coppinger and David Wheater both going close. Fortune-West's scorching 20-yarder put Doncaster ahead at last on 58 minutes. But with just four minutes to go, Michael Cummins' pass set up Constantine for a share of the points. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Doncaster: Budtz, Marples, Lee, Wheater (Stephen Roberts 45), Mulligan, Price, Horlock, Green, Coppinger, Fortune-West (Neil Roberts 83), McCormack (Guy 83). Subs Not Used: Ravenhill, Blayney. Goals: Fortune-West 58. Port Vale: Goodlad, Abbey, Pilkington, Fortune, James, Togwell, Cummins, Dinning (Sonner 79), Smith (Husbands 71), Lowndes (Birchall 71), Constantine. Subs Not Used: Brain, McGregor. Goals: Constantine 86. Att: 5,511 Ref: S Mathieson (Cheshire).

Blackpool v Port Vale
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson is set to be boosted by the return of five players for Port Vale's visit. Among them will be midfielder Marcus Bean, who has served a one-match ban, and Gareth Williams and Sam Stockley, captured on Friday from Colchester. Vale boss Martin Foyle is expected to keep faith with the team that draw 1-1 at Doncaster last weekend. Robin Hulbert, Hector Sam, Lee Matthews and Michael Walsh are still suffering from long-term injuries.

Blackpool 1-0 Port Vale
Super-substitute Gareth Williams gave Blackpool a lifeline in their fight against relegation with the only goal of the game on his debut. Williams, who signed from Colchester on Friday, had only been on the pitch nine minutes when his right-foot finish hit the back of the net. Vale spurned a series of gilt-edged chances - with Michael Cummins guilty of two glaring misses. Visiting Tony Dinning also fired a penalty wide with 15 minutes to go. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackpool: Jones, Stockley, Clarke, Joseph (Butler 87), Wilcox, Donnelly (Williams 58), Bean, Morris, Prendergast (Southern 58), Murphy, Parker. Subs Not Used: Pogliacomi, Blinkhorn. Goals: Williams 66. Port Vale: Goodlad, McGregor, Pilkington, Fortune, James, Cummins, Dinning, Togwell, Birchall, Constantine, Smith (Husbands 82). Subs Not Used: Brain, Holmes, Innes, Briscoe. Booked: James. Att: 5,494 Ref: M Jones (Cheshire).

Anyon aims to be top Vale keeper
Young Port Vale goalkeeper Joe Anyon says he is aiming to become the number one keeper at Vale Park. But the 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Harrogate, knows it will not be easy to overtake current first choice goalkeeper Mark Goodlad. "If Mark's here next year he's going to be number one and fair play to him, he has had a brilliant season," he said. "But I am going to be looking to take his place, and he has got to play well to keep his shirt."

Port Vale 1-1 Huddersfield
Veteran striker Andy Booth grabbed a point for promotion-chasing Huddersfield at Port Vale. Vale took the lead when Michael Cummins sent a firm header high into the net from Jeff Smith's corner. Huddersfield had missed a good chance to take the lead when Mark Hudson dragged a shot wide after being sent clear by Gary Taylor-Fletcher. Booth reacted to score his 14th goal of the season when Danny Adams' cross was deflected into his path. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Port Vale: Goodlad, James, Fortune, McGregor, Pilkington, Togwell (Lowndes 88), Dinning, Cummins, Smith, Constantine, Birchall. Subs Not Used: Brain, Innes, Husbands, Walsh. Booked: James, McGregor, Pilkington. Goals: Cummins 59. Huddersfield: Senior, Adams, Holdsworth, McIntosh (Mirfin 17), Nathan Clarke, Schofield, Hudson, Worthington, Brandon, Taylor-Fletcher, Booth. Subs Not Used: Rachubka, Ahmed, McAliskey, Collins. Booked: Holdsworth, Schofield. Goals: Booth 81. Att: 5,664 Referee: G Laws (Tyne & Wear).

Tranmere 3-0 Port Vale
Goals from Calvin Zola, Stephen O'Leary and Stephen Davies gave Tranmere a convincing victory over Port Vale. Zola put Rovers ahead after exchanging passes with Chris Greenacre and then headed the ball on for O'Leary to score their second from close range. Delroy Facey hit the post for Tranmere before substitute Davies rounded off the scoring with an 18-yard strike after good work from David Raven. Vale's best effort was a Craig James header which was cleared off the line. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tranmere: Wilson, Raven, Jackson, Sharps (Goodison 45), Roberts, Jennings, McAteer, O'Leary, Facey (Aiston 81), Zola (Davies 68), Greenacre. Subs Not Used: Harrison, Tremarco. Goals: Zola 28, O'Leary 58, Davies 78. Port Vale: Goodlad, James, Pilkington, Fortune, Smith, Birchall, Togwell, Cummins, McGregor (Sonner 73), Lowndes, Constantine (Husbands 61). Subs Not Used: Brain, Walsh, Doherty. Att: 6,926 Ref: N Miller (Durham).

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