Saturday 6th March 2010

DCFC 2 vs 3 Port Vale


Football can be a cruel game at times as anyone who witnessed this Saturday's game at Clifton Drive would say that DCFC deserved at least a draw. Down to 10 men for over an hour, taking the lead and then holding their own until the final 5 minutes where it all came to an end.

The game kicked off in good spirit as both sides were playing good football and josling for a foothold. The ball remained camped in the Port Vale half for much of the first 10 minutes as a succession of throw-ins and Corners we causing the Vale defence some concern. Both Allen Jones and Ash Dolan had speculative shots from flicked on throws.

Ash Dolan could almost claim an assist in the 1st goal. A good ball over the top by Rae found Dolan coming back from an offside position. His decision to jog towards the half way line away from the ball allowed Allen Jones to steal in behind a confused Vale defence. Dolan was adjudged not active in not going for the ball and Allen Jones strolled towards goal before elegantly chipping the goalkeeper.

Vale responded and started to attack the DCFC goal. A good save from Gardner to push over from the lively No. 8 started a succession of corners all of which we defended excellently.

However in the 25th Minute, it was a corner which was to make DCFC's morning much more difficult. A goal-bound header found Robert Cartwright at the far post who inexplicably chose to go with hand rather than head. He instantly knew his fate and the red card was shown and penalty awarded.

The Vale No.5 confidently sent Gardner the wrong way and the score was levelled at 1-1.

To compensate for the loss of Cartwright the origional formation changed to 4-4-1 with Evans and Allen Jones given licence to get forward with Andy Holliday and Dominic Rae holding in midfield.

Port Vale continued to pressure the DCFC goal and perhaps should have taken the lead towards the end of the half. The Vale No.6 seemed to be hitching a ride on Robinson's back however no foul was awarded. The Vale man met the ball but directed his header over when well-placed.


HT 1-1


The half-time message was one of keep in tight, dig deep and try to counter with pace to grab a goal.

It was DCFC who took the lead despite having only the 10 men.

Ash Dolan sprung the offside trap for a second time in the game (despite the claims of his team-mate Auty running the line...) he advanced on the goal and chipped the 'keeper who will feel he went down too early.

The story of the second half was not one of DCFC holding out either. They continued to threaten the Vale goal and carve out the better chances whilst defending resolutely.

Andrew Evans who had been dogged in his defence work on the right showed 2 Vale players a clean set of heels and charged into the 18 yard area. His cross caused Chaos in the Vale defence as Dolan and Allen Jones were pressing and was only half-cleared to Evans. Evans chose this time to shoot and his powerful effort struck the side netting.

On the other wing, Allen Jones was also showing great pace as he then crossed for Ephgrave (who had replaced Dolan) who met the ball but was robbed by a fine last-ditch tackle. DCFC were looking the more likely to score.

The game continued in this vein as Vale pressed for an equaliser but could not break down a determined DCFC defence. Chris Rixham in the DCFC goal for the second half had some saves to make but none of which caused him any great concern. He was alert however to an excellent through ball from the Vale midfield which seemed to have the striker in behind, however Rixham was swiftly out to neuter the risk.

Further substitutions for DCFC were made but the team kept frustrating Port Vale.

In the 85th minute however the fairytale match turned. Darlington, who had been excellent all game alongside Allen Holliday was caught in 2 minds on a clearance and was unfortunate to slice his clearance straight to the Vale striker. The Striker did not wait for Darlington to react and lashed the ball past Rixham for 2-2.

DCFC were visably deflated but certainly did not deserve what was to happen next. Hughes, a replacement for Evans on the right was adjudged to have foulded the Vale No. 9 in the left channel despite, as he saw it, getting the ball. It was a challenge from behind however and the free-kick was awarded. The game was close to its conclusion but the Cross found a Vale head at the back post, which was on target. Vale had semingly won the game.

DCFC had 1 minute plus stoppage to try one final push. The ball from the kick-off was sent directly to salmon on the left who battled hard and was fouled. Rixham took the resulting free kick with everyone bar Steve Mace in the vale area. The free kick however was short and was cleared for a throw. Andy Holiday collected the clearance and took the throw-in to Rae who was again fouled, this time closer to the Vale 18 yard box.

Rixham again took the free-kick with only Mace and Auty covering and despite the ball going deeper, Vale were able to clear and the final whistle went


FT 2-3

Team (4-3-3)
Jay Gardner (Rixham 45)

Steven Robinson (Mace 60)
Matthew Darlington
Allen Holliday
Daniel Watling (Auty 85)

Robert Cartwright (sent off 25)
Andy Holliday
Dominic Rae

Andrew Evans (Hughes 75)
Ashley Dolan (ephgrave 60)
Allen Jones (salmon 85)


Man of the Match: Andy Holliday
(voted by Port Vale)