Port Vale move into play-off places by beating Swindon

Posted Sunday, September 29, 2024 by PA

Port Vale moved into the League Two play-off places after making it three wins from their last four with a 2-1 victory over Swindon.

George Byers and Brandon Cover bagged the goals as Vale rose up to fifth spot and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches.

A fourth defeat of the season for Swindon, whose late consolation came courtesy of captain Will Wright’s free-kick, keeps them in 21st place – three points above the relegation zone.

Vale dominated the first half but failed to find the target with any of their eight attempts on goal.

Ben Heneghan and Jayden Stockley both had good chances to open the scoring, only to head wide from crosses from the lively Tom Sang.

Stockley forced an impressive save out of Jack Bycroft early in the second half as the hosts continued to look the much more likely team to break the deadlock.

But Swindon nearly went ahead against the run of play in the 51st minute, with Aaron Drinan’s drilled effort bouncing back off the post.

Vale twice hit the woodwork themselves five minutes later, with captain Ben Garrity heading Kyle John’s delivery against the crossbar and Stockley heading against the crossbar again with the rebound.

Their pressure eventually told just after the hour mark as Byers headed home from Sang’s corner to put his side in front.

Victory was sealed in the 85th minute when Cover won the ball back deep inside the opposition’s half and he dinked the ball over the onrushing Bycroft.

Wright found the net from a late free-kick to halve the deficit, but Vale held on for a deserved three points.