Port Vale 0 Exeter City 0

Exeter City held play-off hopefuls Port Vale to a frantic but goalless draw.
By Jed Penberthy 

Jevani Brown came closest for the visitors hitting the bar with a curling effort, mid-way through the second half. Brown also forced Vale stopper Aidan Stone into a smart save, mirrored at the other end by Cameron Dawson denying Connor Hall. The hosts came close with the last kick of the game. David Amoo a toe away from stealing the points but ultimately the points were shared. With the run-in looming, Matt Taylor recalled Jordan Dyer and Callum Rowe from Bath City, with the latter moving straight into the first eleven. His first league start was one of five changes for the Grecians. Cam Dawson was forced into the first save of the match on seven minutes. Three Vale players overloaded the left wing and after a couple of tidy passes were in on goal. Dawson stood firm to divert the ball over. From the resulting corner, Nathan Smith rose highest but never threatened the back of the Exeter net. City’s first foray into the danger area came courtesy of Jake Caprice. A trademark run down the left allowed the full-back to put in a low cross, though keeper Aidan Stone reacted quickest to claim. It was a battling first twenty minutes for City. Former Manchester United striker James Wilson went for goal though Dawson had no worries seeing it into his arms. Wilson again tried to force the opener for the Valiants, turning onto his left foot and blazing into the stand. With City needing to up the ante Alex Hartridge marauded forward after half-an-hour. After an almighty scramble in the six-yard area, the ball was half cleared to Josh Key on the edge who tested Stone’s ability. City began the second half with much more urgency but it was the homeside who carved the first chance of the period. Dawson smartly saving with his feet from a low Connor Hall effort. A melee in the box ensued and David Worrall eventually got a shot away though Dawson again calmed the City nerves. Trying to elevate the noise around Burslem, Hall speculatively tried a half volley on the hour mark sailing well over. Jevani Brown had a great opportunity to open the scoring a minute later. Delightfully threaded through by Callum Rowe, Brown’s low drive was just about dealt with by the Vale keeper. In the follow up, Brown was somewhat bundled over, but the contact was minimal according to referee Bobby Madley. Brown almost worked his magic in the 74^thminute. The Number 20 turned on the left-hand side of the box. His curling shot almost caught out the Vale keeper, but the top of the bar saved Stone’s blushes. Vale could have nicked it at the death. City made a hash of a dangerous ball into the box but Alex Hartridge's vital toe stopped substitue David Amoo from stealing all three points.