Battling Vale see off Bulls: Match Review

Port Vale overcame the first-half dismissal of Lewis Haldane to record a 2-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Hereford at Vale Park.

Craig Davies fired the hosts ahead early on before Haldane saw red for a second bookable offence five minutes before half-time.

Hereford were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage and Marc Richards added a second for Vale before Bulls defender Ryan Valentine was also sent off for a late challenge on Sean Rigg.

Vale were dominant in the opening stages and took the lead in the ninth minute when Davies latched onto a pass from Louis Dodds and rounded Adam Bartlett before sliding the ball into an empty net.

Hereford almost struck back against the run of play when ex-Vale striker Leon Constantine headed Marc Pugh's corner against a post.

And the visitors must have fancied their chances when Vale winger Haldane stupidly got himself sent off for a second bookable offence.

But Vale's 10 men continued to force the pace in the opening stages of the second period and a deflected shot from Richards nearly extended their advantage.

Hereford debutant Lateef Elford-Alliyu guided one effort narrowly wide, but Vale wrapped up the points in stoppage-time when defender Lee Collins went on a rampaging 50-yard run to tee up Richards.

There was still time for Valentine to receive his marching orders on a miserable day for the Bulls.

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