IMPRESSIVE VALE ENJOY A HAPPIER TIME AT OAKWELL

PORT Vale brushed aside memories of their embarrassing last trip to Barnsley with one of their most comprehensive displays of this League One campaign.

- Clive Youlton

The 2-0 victory came courtesy of a first goal for Jordan Gabriel, who was outstanding along with Jaheim Headley on the day, and Ryan Croasdale who was dropped but came on to make a big impact.

Vale slowly wore down Barnsley who had beaten Vale in their last three league encounters including that 7-0 scoreline two years ago.

Vale boss Darren Moore never fails to surprise with his team selection and he was at it again at Oakwell.

He dropped his major part of the engine room in Croasdale, while Ruari Paton and George Hall were left on the bench too. although came on to make the second goal.

Back came Ben Garrity and George Byers as well as Devante Cole but the biggest surprise was Jordan Shipley's inclusion after being absent from the League One squad since August 30 when he was a sub at Reading.

Regardless of what people thought about Moore's selection, you can’t argue with the outcome and a third league victory in succession.

Up front, while it was harsh on Paton, Cole and Dajaune Brown looked an effective pairing and they caused Barnsley all sorts of problems and combined for the first goal.

It is no coincidence that Vale's results have picked up since Cole arrived on the scene.

In a strong wind Cole won a free-kick in the opening minute when he was fouled and Shipley took it quickly and strangely straight into the arms of goalkeeper Murphy Cooper.

Gabriel's long throw caused early problems for Barnsley and Vale looked to be taking the game to the hosts in the early stages.

The hosts had an early sight of goal when Adam Phillips was allowed to shoot when not closed down from 20 yards but he fired over the bar.

Caylan Vickers took a free-kick and when Vale keeper Joe Gauci didn’t come for it, Jesse Debrah back headed the ball away for a corner.