BATTLING VALE ARE EDGED OUT BY HIGH-FLYING RIVALS

MANAGERLESS Port Vale lost their 13th League One match of the season when they were beaten 1-0 by Bradford City last night.

- Clive Youlton

SAME OLD STORY: Port Vale were beaten on the road as they lost 1-0 at Bradford.

In the wake of Darren Moore's sacking a little more than 24 hours earlier, Vale's loss against their third-placed opponents was not a surprise but was a far better showing as lead coach Jamie Smith took charge and oversaw a gritty display.

The Valiants remain anchored to the bottom of the table and are now 11 points adrift of safety in an ever-worsening situation.

It was the ninth time in their last 10 league outings where they have failed to score a goal.

Smith, who has been assistant to Darren Moore at four clubs, made four changes to the side that were hammered at Huddersfield.

He brought in Kyle John, Ryan Croasdale, Jordan Shipley and Jayden Stockley while out went George Hall - Vale's best player in the last couple of matches - Jesse Debrah, Rhys Walters and Ben Waine.

There was still no sign of skipper Ben Garrity while Connor Hall, Liam Gordon, Jordan Gabriel, Marvin Johnson and Funso Ojo were out injured. Ruari Paton was not involved in the squad for the second match running and Dajaune Brown was replaced in the squad by John.

While George Hall's omission was a surprise, so was the inclusion of Stockley who has hardly played in the league and has been desperate to have a chance alongside Devante Cole but was continually denied it by Moore.