At the DW Stadium, League One struggling Port Vale kept a 0-0 score against Wigan Athletic, with Martial Godo hitting a post.
Due to excellent play by Steven Sessegnon and Callum McManaman, Matt Smith’s effort deflected off Thelo Aasgaard, completely fooling Connor Ripley, but it went just short of the goal. This gave them a fortunate opportunity to open the score.
When a two-on-two break resulted in a pass to former Latics player Gavin Massey, who took a touch, Sam Tickle was able to break free and make a crucial stop just as Vale was about to score.
Matt Smith caused problems either side of half-time, with a corner being flicked on to Aasgaard, who had the ball stolen off him by Ripley.
Shortly after the restart, a Smith cross was only just in front of Scott Smith, and Ripley had to claw it round the far post.
Godo fired against a post as Latics pushed, with substitute Charlie Kelman unable to force the rebound in – although the flag was up in any case for offside.
However, Vale emerged victorious in the end and nearly achieved a crucial win in their struggle against the drop.
Unmarked at the far post, Tom Sang headed wide, but Tickle produced a spectacular double stop to deny both a deflected James Plant goal and Baylee Dipepa’s rebound.
