Port Vale 1 Wrexham 0

Last updated : 10 April 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Port Vale boosted their own play-off hopes while, at the same time, almost ended Wrexham's with a 1-0 home win at Vale Park.

The game got off to a lively start with chances being shared at either end.

Matt Crowell fired warning shots only two minutes in with his 20-yard volley narrowly missing Jonathan Brain's crossbar.

Port Vale should have taken the lead in the 26th minute after Stephen McPhee evaded a Steve Roberts challenge to play a through ball for strike partner Steve Brooker, but keeper Michael Ingam made an instinctive save from ten yards.

The Valiants missed their second opportunity 11 minutes later with Brooker again the culprit after Sam Collins' long throw from the right was flicked on by Billy Paynter but he scuffed his shot, sending it wide from close range.

Wrexham could have sneaked a goal before the stroke of half-time but Chris Llewellyn's header off a Paul Edwards’ cross from the left was well held by Brain.

The away side lost their composure after the break and Vale took full advantage in the 32nd minute when McPhee turned provider by supplying Michael Cummins in the centre, beating the offside trap and slotting the ball comfortably into Ingham's bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Vale maintained their pressure throughout the second half and, despite the Dragon's quick counter-attacks involving Paul Edwards and Carlos Edwards, Martin Foyle's side claimed all three points.

Wrexham boss Dennis Smith said: "It's disappointing to lose but we've had big problems with injuries and suspensions.

"We've gone three games without scoring so you're not going to win like that, however, I am still looking to win the next six games and if we can do that then we will be in there."