Port Vale 1 - 1 Scunthorpe United: Scunthorpe secure point from muddy meeting with Port Vale

Posted Sunday, December 13, 2015 by PA

Scunthorpe survived a barrage of late pressure to battle to a 1-1 draw in the mud at Port Vale.

The contest survived two pitch inspections after heavy rain before the visitors threatened in the ninth minute when Paddy Madden headed just wide from Kevin van Veen's cross.

Vale began to get the upper hand, but it was Scunthorpe who took the lead against the run of play in the 36th minute.

Luke Williams swung a left-wing corner to the near post where Jack King's right boot diverted the ball past Vale goalkeeper Jak Alnwick and in off the far post.

Vale were almost two down when Madden was inches off target, but they levelled in first-half stoppage time thanks to Ajay Leitch-Smith's sixth goal in seven games.

Leitch-Smith controlled Chris Birchall's pass in an instant and fired a low right-foot shot just inside Luke Daniels' right-hand post from 14 yards.

Conditions deteriorated in the second half and chances were at a premium before Vale midfielder Michael O'Connor curled a 67th-minute free-kick against the crossbar.

Vale forced a series of late corners and Ryan McGivern forced an excellent reflex save from Daniels in the 90th minute.