Port Vale are through to the next round of the Checkatrade Trophy after beating Stoke City Under-21’s 4-0 last night.
The game has been somewhat overshadowed by crowd trouble between the two sets of rival fans. Around 4,000 Stoke fans made the short trip to Vale Park to watch their youngsters in action.
Experienced striker Tom Pope gave Vale the lead after just six minutes and calmed any nerves for the home side. The 33-year-old rose highest in the box and beat Potters’ keeper Jakob Haugaard with a powerful header.
Cristian Montano, who caused problems for the visitors all night, added a quick-fire brace just before half-time to send the hosts into the break 3-0 up.
Winger Luke Hannant then added a fourth in the second-half to heap further misery on the young Stoke side.
Vale boss Neil Aspin told their official club website after the game, “No victories are routine against Stoke, I can tell you that. Any game where you’re playing against your local rivals is a big one, and regardless of the fact it is their under-21s, it’s still a Stoke City side”.
“We were desperate to beat them so I’m really pleased with the attitude of our players. They were professional tonight and they got the job done”.
The former Gateshead boss also added, “I think it was a good game for both sides and our lads have come out of it with their heads held high, and they’ve done the job that our own supporters wanted them to do”.
Here is how the Port Vale fans reacted on Twitter to their win last night-
https://twitter.com/jw_turnock/status/1070247313816383494
Credit to the #pvfc fans tonight
Even though they’ll say “ it was our kids “
Nearly 4,000 people don’t just go to watch kids play
Thanks for sorting our toilets, shame you couldn’t do it in the stands you all bragged about having tickets in
UTV
— Pvfc (@PortValeLoyal) December 5, 2018
One thing I’ve always thought about Stoke fans. They always take a defeat exceptionally well! #pvfc
— Matthew Swindail (@TheSwin) December 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/xdaneyex/status/1070087342407458817
https://twitter.com/JackReevesJones/status/1070086539579981824
Decent win against the neighbours but it is what it is. Can only beat what's put in front of you so well done Vale and no shame for the Stoke kids. Now chill out, go home, and have an oatcake #pvfc #scfc @CheckatradeTrpy #thankgoditsover
— Rob Smith (@pvfcsmith) December 4, 2018