Back to winning ways

Last updated : 27 March 2005 By Tony Scholes

Alex Taylor - got the second goal
There was a rush for the spectators to get into place with the referee getting the game underway a full twenty minutes before the scheduled kick off time meaning many missed the start.

And it was a good start for a Port Vale side who included Joe Cardle, a former Centre of Excellence player at Burnley. They could have even gone in front but Michael Hale tipped a shot over the bar.

Burnley came more into the game and went in front after twenty minutes. It started with a long clearance from Hale which Kyle Lafferty laid off into the path of Alex Taylor. Lafferty to a return pass into the box and placed the ball wide of the keeper.

The rest of the first half was dominated by Burnley who were by now totally in control.

The second half was much the same, several chances were spurned, some of them good chances. The passing and interplay was a joy to watch and you just couldn’t see Vale getting back into the game.

The defence were comfortable throughout and all the back four played well, especially Rob Henry who has been turning in some very good performances in the Merit League of late.

The second goal had to come and it did midway through the second half and it followed a mistake in the Port Vale defence. The ball fell to Alex Taylor having been given away and he doesn’t waste opportunities like that. He hit it and the shot appeared to go under the goalkeeper’s body.

That was 2-0 and we were playing some lovely stuff and Vale were chasing shadows. Brian Taylor, in charge in the absence of both Terry Pashley and Vince Overson, was encouraging the players to pass the ball and keep possession and they did.

It was 3-0 after some good play down the right hand side which ended in Henry sending over the perfect cross which was met by Cayne Hanley to score with a glancing header.

Port Vale were by now demoralised and we really should have added to the goals tally but you have to be pleased with a 3-0 win away from home against the Champions of their particular lead.

It was a good performance all round with Henry turning in an exceptional performance on the right hand side of the defence.

The win ensures we will go third at worst in the Merit League and we also have the Northern Final of the Alliance Cup to look forward to. The lads are having a good season and they really do deserve to win one of these competitions.

The team was: Michael Hale, Rob Henry, Neal Trotman, Ryan Townsend, Martin Reilly, Marc Pugh (Paul Casey), Joe Booth, Chris McCann, Tom Ince (Nicky Platt), Kyle Lafferty, Alex Taylor (Cayne Hanley).


Youth team fixtures

League Table (currently before this weekend’s games)