FINE DISPLAY BUT VALE JUST FAIL TO FIND WINNER

PORT Vale were unable to take three points from a thrilling first League One match of the season in a 0-0 draw with Cardiff City at Vale Park but they had the consolation of an excellent point, writes Clive Youlton

- Clive Youlton

After opening day defeat, the Valiants are up and running having earned it with an excellent display in front of close to 10,000 fans live in front of the Sky TV cameras.

Had they taken chances, it could have been so much better.

Having announced the loan signing of Mo Faal from Wrexham prior to the clash, Moore made five changes to the starting lineup.

Two of them were enforced, as Jaheim Headley was suspended and Cameron Humphreys was ill.

Out went Jayden Stockley, Ben Waine and Jordan Shipley too as all three were dropped to the bench.

In came Liam Gordon for his debut, Funso Ojo, Ryan Croasdale, Kyle John and Ronan Curtis - Ojo perhaps the biggest surprise having worked his way back into Moore's thinking after a season on loan with Shrewsbury.

Pre-match Moore explained that Croasdale, Curtis and Ojo all deserved to stay in the side having helped spark the team in the second half at Rotherham despite the 2-1 defeat.

Rhys Walters appeared on the bench which was a welcome sight.

Vale's midfield three - Moore having ditched the 3-4-3 formation in favour of 3-5-2 after one match - of Croasdale, George Byers and Ojo was packed with experience against a much younger side.

They did well too, in a frenetic, action-packed clash.