Ten-man Port Vale battle for goalless draw against Burton

Posted Sunday, November 05, 2023 by PA

Ten-man Port Vale earned an FA Cup first-round replay against fellow League One side Burton after battling to a goalless draw.

Captain Nathan Smith was given a straight red card in the first half, but Burton failed to make their one-man advantage count.

Vale midfielder Ben Garrity went close to opening the scoring early on as his header from Tom Sang’s free-kick hit the top of the crossbar.

The hosts continued to look lively and press forward, but their momentum was halted in the 18th minute when Smith saw red for bringing down Mark Helm.

Joe Powell struck the crossbar from the resulting free-kick before Garrity’s deflected effort went over after team-mate Uche Ikpeazu won the ball off Burton goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

The visitors threatened to snatch the lead just before half-time, but Mustapha Carayol’s shot was cleared off the line by Sang.

Albion went close again on a couple of occasions in the second half, with Powell nearly catching out Valiants stopper Connor Ripley with a speculative attempt from inside his own half and substitute Cole Stockton striking the inside of the post.

Down at the other end, Crocombe made an excellent save late on to thwart Vale substitute Ryan Loft’s effort from Alfie Devine’s cross.

Burton finally found the net in the dying moments, but it was ruled out for offside and ensured a replay will be required to separate the two teams.