SHIPLEY ON TARGET AS VALE PROGRESS IN CUP

PORT

- Clive Youlton

Vale's first match under Jon Brady ended with a win as they beat League Two Fleetwood Town 1-0 to reach the FA Cup fourth round for the first time since 2014.A goal from Jordan Shipley was enough to seal victory against League Two opposition who made life uncomfortable for the hosts.

It was a great way for Brady to start in the job as he became the first of Vale's last four managers to start his reign with a victory.

The Valiants were able to carry on the good work against Blackpool in terms of the outcome and it was another spirited performance and one which they will need to show more of in League One in the second half of the campaign.

The big team news was the absence of Ronan Curtis who has been linked with a move to Plymouth Argyle.

Brady made three changes to the Vale side that beat Blackpool. In came Joe Gauci, Ben Waine and George Hall and out went Ben Amos, Kyle John and Ryan Croasdale, all dropped to the bench.

Significant names were still absent including Ben Garrity and the injured Connor Hall, Liam Gordon, Jordan Gabriel and Funso Ojo. Jesse Debrah couldn’t make the squad.

Brady started with a 4-4-2 formation which will have pleased the sparse home following who simply don't like their team playing with a back three.

Fleetwood started the game quite brightly and were composed on the ball for a League Two outfit.

Vale's George Hall was the star against Blackpool and his pace was soon in evidence as he raced clear and fed Waine and, when his cutback was parried out by Fleetwood keeper David Harrington, Jayden Stockley pounced and hit a shot on the turn that was deflected wide.

It was an early indication of Vale's intent.

Vale won a free-kick in those early stages when Marvin Johnson was flattened and Ben Heneghan met Shipley's cross but was adjudged to have fouled.