Accrington Stanley 2 Port Vale 0

Last updated : 17 March 2009 By Footymad Previewer
Stanley secured another well-deserved three points and ought now to be safe from the threat of relegation from League Two.

John Coleman's men dominated almost throughout against a disappointing Port Vale side.

Accrington dominated the early stages of the match and got themselves off to a dream start with a goal inside four minutes.

John Miles crossed in and midfielder Andy Procter leapt superbly to power home a header.

Within minutes Jimmy Ryan fired a shot over the crossbar for the determined hosts.

Vale just couldn't gain a foothold into the game and Stanley went close to scoring again after 18 minutes when giant striker Paul Mullin unleashed a powerful shot which flew over the top.

The visitors' first shot in anger came shortly before the half-hour mark, but Kenny Arthur had Paul Marshall's effort well covered.

A minute later Stanley were up at the other end extending their lead. This time Miles' corner-kick wasn't cleared and there was Ryan who shot home to make it 2-0.

Miles tried his luck with a shot, but Joe Anyon saved well.

Despite losing goalscorer Procter to injury shortly after the interval, Stanley continued to press. Chris Turner saw a shot blocked, while keeper Anyon got in the way of another from Craig Lindfield.

Louis Dodds replied with an effort which Stanley keeper Arthur saved, but Vale were struggling to find a way through.

Back came Stanley again, and with time beginning to run out for Vale, Lindfield again fired in a low drive which Anyon saved. Paul Mullin then rose well but headed narrowly wide as Stanley secured a welcome win.