Vale came through a bruising encounter against a strong Stockport side that contained a number of first team players making their comeback from injury plus a fair sprinkling of experienced forwards.
Despite suffering two defeats at the hands of Stockport in the first half of the season the Vale the produced an excellent all round performance full of character, lively in attack and resolute in defence in particular during the closing stages of the second half when a rampaging Stockport pack compressed the home side with a vice like grip.
Throughout the game the Vale forwards were a magnificent unit with Dan Rainford proving a colossus while his partner, Chris Quick, fully lived up to his surname with his movement around the field but it was his outstanding Teflon like handling of the ball at the line outs that impressed. Back row forwards Jack Ferguson and Isaac Turton were fearless in the tackle, always in the thick of action and also in their dynamic pursuit of anything in a Stockport shirt in particular the half backs.
In the threequarters full back Rob Lamberton posed a threat throughout, brave under the high ball, decisive in the tackle while his electrifying turn of speed caused the visitors problems throughout. An injury to stand off Sean Coulshed in the second half resulted in the Vale losing something of their cutting edge but the side’s heads did not drop and when Stockport started to turn the screw late in the game everyone played their part in protecting their five point lead.
As was to be expected Stockport went on the offensive straight from the kick off to pin the Vale down and went ahead with a penalty goal. The Vale found it difficult to break out but after soaking up the pressure they snatched the lead following a slick handling move. Breaking downfield the Vale gloriously switched the ball from left to right and back again for space to be created for Jimmy Birchall to cross for an unconverted try.
Forthright tackling and covering by the Vale reduced the effectiveness of Stockport’s half backs and with ten minutes remaining of a riveting half the home side added to their lead. Andy Muir, used his pace effectively despite a limited supply of ball, raced out of his own half with conviction. He chipped ahead, gathered the ball and swapped passes with Rob Lamerton who crossed for a breathtaking try converted by Sean Coulshed.
Ten minutes into the second half Stockport’s beefy pack rumbled forward through the Vale’s defensive network for a converted try. This score indicated what pain Stockport could inflict if they were allowed to set the agenda.
Their efforts were marginalised when after a Stockport player knocked on and a colleague picked up the ball in an offside position. This elementary error was punished by Jamie Antcliffe who added the extras in the fifty third minute; Jamie Antcliffe taking over the kicking duties from Coulshed who been sidelined with an injury.
As the game moved into the final quarter pressure mounted on the Vale as the injuries began to mount and they stated to deplete the replacement’s bench. Players were forced to switch positions and asked to take up unfamiliar roles, but the line held.
In a lengthy period of injury time the Vale were battered repeatedly but the barricades were strong and secure. Skipper Phil Watson rallied his troops who responded to his exhortations with a disciplined display to record a momentous victory; on Saturday they travel to second in the table Wilmslow, who are ahead of the Vale with a better point’s difference.
Vale A: R Lamerton; A Muir, O Simmons, J Antcliffe, J Birchall; S Coulshed, L Power; M Field, P Watson (Capt), J O’Donnell; C Quick, D Rainford; J Ferguson, I Turton, S Foy. Replacements used: P Jackson T Cvijanovic, T Vanstone