BURTON Albion and Port Vale couldn’t be separated at St George’s Park, in a game of very few clear-cut chances.
The Albion fielded a young side, although Damien McCrory made his return from injury in a back three whilst in-form Marcus Dinanga lead the line for the Brewers.It took until mid-way into the second half before the first real opportunity opened up as Reece Hutchinson drove down the touchline before cutting inside and letting off a shot inside the box but he saw his effort saved.
The best chance of the first half fell to Marcus Dinanga, who is currently on loan at Matlock Town but is eligible to play in reserve fixtures. Tristian Matthews was the architect to thread the ball through to Dinanga who curled an effort towards to far post but it was well saved by the Vale ‘keeper.
HT: Burton Albion FC 0-0 Port Vale FC
Reece Hutchinson had a lively start to the second half, he was first involved with Marcus Harness, but the left-back’s effort was drilled just wide of the far post.
The deadlock was broken 54 minutes into the game against the run of play. Vale delivered a free kick from the left which was glanced towards goal and out of the reach of Harry Campbell in the Albion net. 1-0 to the visitors.
Vale were ahead for just two minutes before an equaliser came Albion’s way. Marcus Dinanga had been a live wire all afternoon and his rewards came just before the hour mark when his left-footed shot from just inside the box was deflected past the goalkeeper.
Joel Steer has joined the academy on a work experience loan from Blackburn Rovers and the young forward nearly got himself on the scoresheet at St George’s Park as he pinched the ball of the defender and advanced towards goal but his shot hit the hand of the on-rushing goalkeeper and was eventually cleared.
FT: Burton Albion FC 1-1 Port Vale FC