Heartache for the Valiants as two late goals condemn them to defeat

Vale led thanks to Lorent Tolaj’s first goal of the new campaign

- Clive Youlton

PORT Vale blew a 1-0 lead with three minutes of normal time to play to lose their second League One game from the opening four.

This one will hurt as they looked comfortable having led through Lorent Tolaj’s first-half goal until two defensive lapses saw them concede twice in a four-minute spell to leave them bitterly disappointed.

The result left Darren Moore's side 19th in the table with just two points from 12.

change as George Byers started his three-match ban for being sent off against Burton and was replaced by the classy Jordan Shipley.

Jaheim Headley returned from his own ban to take his place on the bench and there was a return for skipper Ben Garrity who was among the matchday squad for the first time this season having overcome his latest injury.

The last four meetings between these two sides have ended in a draw and both teams had two clean sheets to their name in the league coming into the match.

Funso Ojo’s superb run down the left on Vale’s narrowed pitch won his team an early free-kick which was cleared but the home team certainly showed their early intent.

When Ronan Curtis clipped a ball into the box, Lorent Tolaj had a great chance but he scuffed his shot across goal when he should have hit the target.