Match report

The team lined up with Devries in goal, Painter and Rangel at full back, Monk and Tate at centre half and a midfield 4 of Robinson, Bodde, Pratley and Britton. Bauza partnered Scotland up front.

On a tricky, bobbly surface it was the home side who started the sharper. For the first 15 minutes they exerted continuous pressure on us all over the park, snapping at our heels and never letting us settle into our passing game. And in this spell, three good chances came their way. First, a terrific drive from Herd brought a fine save fom dorus. Then a knock down from the same player set up a great chance for Rogers, who blazed over. Then dorus was brought into play again with another smart save. The swans fans kept singing but were wondering how we were still on level terms. But then we nearly took the lead against the run of play - a low cross from Rangel found Robbo unmarked at far post, but somehow he mis-controlled and fluffed the chance. We were soon on the back foot again as painter was forced to make an excellent goal line block from a poimt blamk header and then whitaker fired wide of our goal after cantering through unchallenged. At this stage, defensive solidity and midfield graft were certainly eluding the swans, wno frankly were lucky to be in the game at all.

But as the half wore on we got more of a grip on proceedings and forge more of a foothold in the game. First scotland broke through and unleashed a fierce drive which was headed away. And then bodde had a curling free kick well blocked by the wall. Then we produced our best move of the game which culminated in a low Rangel cros which Bauza nearly converted, his effort being blocked at close range. There was still time for Robbo to fire in a free kick which was well parried away by the keeper. And as the half concluded, we finally had reason to think that we had exerted some of the authority which our league status demanded.

The second period started badly with bauza being booked for a late challenge - the spaniard's frustration beginning to show. But then the swans began to get into their stride and were soon on the attack as scotland produced a strong run and shot which was blocked - robbo's follow-up was also saved. But he was soon back in the action - his own run producing a fine drive which the keeper did well to tip over the bar. Port vale rallied a little, forcing painter to head clear under pressure. But they were finding it much harder now to exert any sort of pressure as the swans grew in stature and confidence. There followed a spell of swans pressure, with a couple of wayward efforts - and then came the breakthrough on 60 minutes, with Robbo winning a penalty after some battling work by Scotland. And to the relief of the jack fans it was scotland who strode up to take the penalty, converting with ease.

From this point on it seemed there would be only one winner, with the swans now completely om top. We nearly extended the lead on 70 minutes when a terrific cross from Britton was cleared as Scotland closed in. Then on 75 monutes butler cut in from the right and hit.a low shot which seemed to come back off the post. Scotland stretched for the reboiund but Bodde got the final touch to double the lead.

Thereafter, the game became a formality. Butler drew a great save from the home keeper to keep the score at 2 and that was the last of the serious goal mouth action. Despite some late pressure vale showed no likelihood of repeating crewe's late show of last week, and we closed the game out comfortably - pleasingly keeping our concentration until the last.

Devries - 8 some good saves and solid under the high ball
Rangel - 8 solid and supported the attack well Painter - 7 tenacious and composed Monk - 7 commanding although was chasing shadows in the early stages Tate - 6 some hesitant moments Britton - 8 strong in the tackle and surged forward creatively. MOM Pratley - 7 got stronger as the game went on Bodde - 7 very influential after the break but a little off the pace early on Robinson - 6 always on good positions but had a poor game in front of goal Bauza - 6 lively and pleasing to watch but seems to have lost his goal threat Scotland - 7 a solid front line effort but hs shooting was sometimes terrible

Brandy - a brief but lively appearance

So a hard- earned win but certainly not a particularly convincing one. The centre of our defence looked very shaky early on, perhaps providing a salutory reminder that this position is one that needs strengthening if better teams are not going to punish us. And today we once again had lots of possession without creating too manuy clear cut chances - again a better side might have punished us. But how can we really copmplain when we are 11 points clear in the league. Winning has become a habit even when we don.t play well - which can't be a bad thing. Ssssh - you never know - the media may evem start to notice us soon!

Port Vale 0 Swansea City 2

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