Hector Sam & Chris Birchall instrumental in Vale victory
By Dave Johnson (Port Vale FC)Newcastle Town 1 Port Vale 3A young Vale outfit came from behind at Newcastle's Lmye Valley Stadium in the Valiants' final friendly game before the season kicks in on Saturday.
Martin Foyle included Jon Brain, Steve Rowland, Craig James, Chris Birchall and Hector Sam in the starting line up, whilst giving several members of the youth team some vital experience.
There were also two trialists on view for the visitors, but Vale were not too impressive at all in the opening forty-five minutes and couldn't have been too surprised when the home side went ahead through Vlady on 35 minutes.
The Vale boss resisted the opportunity to make half time changes, and it wasn't too long before the scores were level following some good work by Hector Sam.
Spotting Delope just inside the box, Sam pulled the ball back into his path and the Columbian trialist made no mistake, slamming the ball past the Newcastle 'keeper.
Vale didn't have too long to wait for a second goal. Mark Soboljew had a header beaten out and his follow up shot blocked on the line, but Chris Birchall was on hand to fire in Vale's second from close range.
Vale wrapped up the win when Chris Huston met a left wing corner taken by Craig James to nod home at the far post.
The home side disputed the goal after the 'keeper managed to pull the ball back from behind the line, but the referee was well positioned and didn't hesitate to point to the centre circle.
The Vale boss said afterwards: "People look at results, but I look at individual performances and the first half was totally unacceptable.
"I thought we were poor, slow to the ball and there was some poor decision making by certain players, but there were one or two plusses.
"I thought Hector Sam made some good runs and I thought Steve Rowland was very commanding at the back."
Hector closes in
It's in the air for Chris Birchall
Vale's flying Trinadadian winger
