Monday, April 30th 1951.


FOOTBALL COMMENTS
Fantastic Conditions in Port Vale's Game

A 2-0 HOME WIN OVER EXETER
Rarely can a League game have been completed under conditions as incredible for playing as those experienced at Vale Park last night, when Port Vale defeated Exeter City by 2-0 (writes K.S.R.)

The muddy pitch deteriorated rapidly as the game progressed and dark, thundery clouds unleashed furious rain and threatened to wash the scene away. There were ironical cheers from the 2,600 spectators when a white ball was brought into use, for the ball was soon discoloured and like the players themselves, indistinguishable in the deep gloom of a stormy black-out. It seemed inevitable that the referee would have to abandon the game, but. perhaps bearing in mind that the season ends this week, he determined either to brave or risk each and every abuse the weather unfurled. In the calm that preceded the storm, the Vale quickly showed their pleasure and aptitude for battling in the mud, but then the visitors surprised by making strong challenges for command of the game.
There was some daring and dangerous raiding from both sides, but generally the defences had the upper hand. Up to the 70th minute the game was swinging first in favour of one side and then the other. But a death blow of two goals in three minutes settled the game and the points to the Vale's credit. First, Polk was engaged in a thrust through the centre and caught the Exeted defence napping by switching the bail to an unmarked Cunliffe. The Vale outside-left seized his chance smartly to whip the bail between Singleton and the goalpost, and gained his first scoring success in League football. Cunliffe also had a share in the Vale's second goal. Hulligan crossed the ball from the right wing, and Cunliffe returned it into the centre. Aveyard headed down to Barber's feet, and the Vald leader flashed the ball into the net before Singleton or his defenders could size up the danger. The circumstances do not call for a critical eye, as the players were almost invariably sliding off their feet into the mud, but Martin put much enthusiasm into his play and the Vale defence as a whole had the stronger influence on the game's course.

Port Vale. Hoppell: Hamlett Potts. Martin. Hayward. Sproson: Hulligan, Aveyard. Barber. Polk, Cunliffe
Exeter City:- Singleton; Clark, Rowe; Fallon, Carter, Davey; Harrower, Lynn, Smart, Mackay, Smith.

Attendance 2600

PORT VALE 2 (Cunliffe, Barber)
EXETER CITY 0.