VALE OUT OF DROP ZONE WITH SPOT-KICK IN STOPPAGE TIME

RONAN Curtis scored a penalty four minutes into six minutes of stoppage time to save Port Vale's blushes against Mansfield Town.

- Clive Youlton

Having completely dominated the game after the visitors had skipper Ryan Sweeney sent off in the 14th minute, the Valiants saw Devante Cole's opener wiped out in the 86th minute amid increasing groans and moans from the Vale Park faithful.

But Curtis was shoved over in the box by Will Evans and got up to fire in the dramatic winner, as Darren Moore’s men finally prevailed 2-1 for their second victory of the League One campaign.

Potential boos were averted in that moment, and there was a huge sigh of relief from the home contingent whose team had spent most of the game passing sideways and backwards and not getting anywhere.

It was a vital goal because Vale couldn't afford to squander points against a team who played more than 85 minutes with a man down.

Moore went with two changes to the side that beat Exeter City as Ben Heneghan dropped out for Jesse Debrah, while Jordan Gabriel was in for the injured Kyle John, with Mitch Clark also injured.

There was also a first inclusion in a matchday squad for midfielder George Hall, who was among the substitutes and came on in the second half to produce some classy touches.

There was no room in the squad for Rhys Walters, Jordan Shipley, Jaheim Headley, Ben Waine and Jayden Stockley while, despite playing in a behind-closed-doors game against Derby County in midweek, keeper Ben Amos did not get in over Marko Marosi on the bench.

Vale started the day back in the bottom four after Blackpool beat Barnsley in one of the two early fixtures.

The hosts started in sprightly fashion on a wet surface that had stood up amazingly well to a deluge which continued during the match.

Vale had a great chance when George Byers played a superb ball in behind the Mansfield defence to Gabriel, and his attempted cutback was blocked by Frazer Blake-Tracy with Ruari Paton lurking with intent.