Doncaster v Port Vale Match Report & Stats: 1-2 – Resilient Vale Claim Vital Away Win
| Competition | EFL League Two |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 4, 2025 |
| Teams | Doncaster Rovers v Port Vale |
| Final Score | 1-2 |
Doncaster v Port Vale Match Report
Port Vale earned a gritty 2-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium, with Darren Moore’s defensive game plan coming up just short of securing the clean sheet that many had predicted.
The Valiants, who have relied on their defensive organisation this season, opened the scoring through Ryan Croasdale in the first half. Lorent Tolaj doubled the lead after the break, capitalising on a swift counter-attack. Although Doncaster managed to pull one back late through Jamie Sterry, they failed to mount a serious challenge for an equaliser.
Port Vale’s disciplined performance showcased their ability to frustrate opponents, though the conceded goal may slightly mar an otherwise solid display. The Valiants remained third in the League Two table, while Doncaster fell to the sixth spot.
Key Moments
- 33’: Ryan Croasdale finished coolly after being set up by Hackford to give Port Vale a 1-0 lead.
- 61’: Lorent Tolaj doubled Vale’s lead with a clinical strike from a counter-attack, assisted by Croasdale.
- 84’: Jamie Sterry pulled one back for Doncaster with a tidy finish following a cross from Broadbent.
Stats at a Glance
| Metric | Doncaster | Port Vale |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.91 | 0.62 |
| Ball Possession (%) | 63 | 37 |
| Goal Attempts | 15 | 5 |
| Shots on Goal | 6 | 3 |
| Big Chances | 1 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks | 7 | 3 |
| Clearances | 32 | 51 |
Lineups
Doncaster Rovers (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Sharman-Lowe
- Defenders: Sterry, Olowu, McGrath, Maxwell
- Midfielders: Bailey (C), Kelly, Molyneux, Clifton, Gibson
- Forward: Sharp
- Substitutes: Street, Broadbent, Fleming, Hurst, Ironside
Port Vale (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Amos
- Defenders: Smith, Heneghan, Hall
- Midfielders: Clark, Croasdale, Lowe, Garrity (C), Headley
- Forwards: Tolaj, Hackford
- Substitutes: Paton, Curtis, Chislett, Hart, Kyle John
Evaluation of Pre-Match Tips
Prediction: Port Vale Clean Sheet
❌ Incorrect
Port Vale conceded a late goal to Joe Sterry, falling short of keeping the clean sheet predicted in the pre-match analysis. The visitors upset the odds, as Doncaster were favorites on top UK betting sites.
Analysis
- Port Vale’s defensive organisation was effective for most of the match, limiting Doncaster’s chances.
- However, a lapse in concentration allowed Doncaster to score, underlining the risks of sitting deep late in games.
- While the clean sheet bet missed, Port Vale’s strong defensive reputation was evident throughout the match.
The result reinforces Port Vale’s ability to frustrate opponents but also highlights the need for sustained focus to preserve clean sheets in future fixtures.
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