After two unwelcome defeats in previous weeks, Sporting started this match cautiously, as did their opponents and much of the match ended up being played in mid-field with few opportuities for either side.
This was particularly the case in the first half. Sporting had more than enough of the play with James Turk in particular working hard and trying to inject some momemtum into the game but time after time the ball played in the box was not good enough allowing the well-organised Castle Vale defence to clear before Sporting strikers Chris Morrison and Andy Nicol were able do any damage.
When they went forward, Vale looked quite dangerous with Joe Obi putting a good chance over the bar whilst light-footed striker Callum Blake went close on a couple of occsions. Sporting were no less organised in defence with Nick Martin and Matt Ross mopping up most moves before the home side could get within sight of the goal and if they did, Tom Savage's safe pair of hands did the rest.
Resuming after the interval, Sporting stepped up a gear and looked determined to put more presure on the Vale defence. Andy Nicol was now receiving a better service and had one wek shot easily gathered by 'keeper Iam Kimberley whilst another effort bounced of a defender's shins following a good build up.
However it was the striker on 61 minutes who laid on a great pass from midfield to Jon Rogers who evaded the offside trap, side-stepped Kimberly on goal and powered an angled strike into the roof of the net giving Sporting the lead.
With a goal in deficit, Vale decided to apply some pressure themselves bringing on a couple of hefty strikers to get back into the game but any attempts to equalise were short-lived as the Sporting back four kept their nerve.
In an off-the-ball incdent, Nick Martin looked to have been hit in the face but as it was not seen by the officials, the offending Vale player was lucky not to have sent for an early bath.
Five minutes later, Sporting really should have doubled their lead when the ever-reliable Aaron Roberts hooked over an inch perfect cross that Chris Morrison just had to head into an empty net only to glance it wide of the right-hand post. Holding his face in his hands was the least he could do.
For the last fifteen minutes, much of the match was played where it started in mid-field with neither side looking to hit the net. John Obi had the best effort for Vale that Nick Harris blocked on the line but the small but noisy contingent of Sporting fans did get another chance to cheer six minutes in to stoppage time. John Rogers was bundled over in a clumsy tackle, Lee Dunkley took the free-kick that the quick thinking Rogers half-volleyed past Kimberly for Sporting's second.
There was just enough time for the home side to kick-off again before Mr Kazmanovic blew for full-time giving Sporting a hard-fought but deserved victory.
After the match, Joint Manager Graham Scott thought that his team had started nervously but gained confidence as the game went on. Castle Vale proved to be a better side than the lowly position in the league but he never thought we were going to lose even if the number of chances had been rather limited.
Castle Vale: Ian Kimberley, Cameron Knight, Craig Gasiewski, Joe Obi (capt), Greg Dickie, Aaron Hughes, Kieren Fitzgerald (Andy Millan 78 mins), Daniel Bostock, Tyrone Smith, Callum Blake (Troy Smith 61 mins), Scott Goodby.
Sub not used: Ryan Faulkner
Sporting: Tom Savage, Aaron Roberts, Nick Harris, Matt Ross, Nick Martin (capt.), Lee Dunkley, Jon Rogers, James Turk (Jamie Parker 87 mins), Andy Nicol, Chris Morrison (Adam Humphries 89 mins), Keith Draper Jnr (Jack Lodge 82 mins).
Subs not used: Elliot Nash, Daniel Mroczkowski. |