DAY OF CELEBRATION FALLS FLAT AS VALE ARE DEFEATED

PORT

- Clive Youlton

Vale lost their 15th League One game of a dismal season as their anniversary celebrations fell flat at Vale Park in a 3-1 defeat to Exeter City.Just when the Valiants' party was in full swing, a football match intervened to ruin the mood.

Simply, Vale were not good enough and were found wanting all over the pitch in a poor display.

They went a goal down in the first half through poor defending, and conceded two avoidable goals at the start of the second half to trail 3-0 prior to Cameron Humphreys reducing the deficit. That goal could not hide the fact it was a comprehensive defeat.

The day ended with Vale even further adrift of League One safety - a massive 12 points - and the fans chanted 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' to the home players.

It was a miserable afternoon for home fans and everybody connected with Vale.

Manager Jon Brady made a hefty six changes from the team that lost 3-0 to Mansfield Town which showed he means business in finding out just who he can rely on not to make mistakes.

In came Jordan Gabriel, Liam Gordon, Funso Ojo, keeper Joe Gauci as well as fit again Connor Hall.

There was also a place in the side for Ethon Archer. He looked lively early on but it summed up the club's day when their only January signing so far pulled up moments before the final whistle.

George Byers was injured against Mansfield which explained his absence while Ben Amos, Mitch Clark, Jaheim Headley, Dajaune Brown and Humphreys were all dropped. That left only Ben Heneghan to survive in the backline in an unchanged squad.

Interestingly, Devante Cole was named as captain ahead of Heneghan while Ben Garrity was still absent, Jesse Debrah and Ruari Paton too, and loanee Mo Faal had already gone back to Wrexham.

Rhys Walters was not involved in a league squad for the second time under Brady.