Doncaster Rovers continued their strong start to life back in League One with a 1-0 victory away to Port Vale, thanks to Owen Bailey’s second-half strike that moved Grant McCann’s side to 10 points from five matches.
The visitors were not at their best for long spells, and Vale briefly looked likely to spoil the party after Lorent Tolaj’s departure to Plymouth left Vale short on firepower. Vale had engaged early with Jaheim Headley forcing a big save from Thimothee Lo-Tutala, and Cameron Humphreys’ header came back off the woodwork as the hosts pressed. Lo-Tutala then denied Mo Faal and Ben Garrity with quick-fire stops as Vale dominated possession and tempo in the first half, but the deadlock was broken after the break when Bailey fired home to hand Doncaster the lead they clung to.
McCann admitted it wasn’t the prettiest display and that his side weren’t at their best, but he was still encouraged by how they stood firm and finished the game strongly. “It wasn’t the prettiest and we weren’t at our best, but overall we were probably unlucky not to go in 1-0 up at half-time,” he said. “What’s pleased me today is that we started brightly and had a couple of good chances. Then we went under siege a little bit. It was a bit of Port Vale playing well and us not playing well enough. We gave them too many free-kicks and invited pressure but we stood strong, regrouped at half-time and ultimately got the goal to win it.”
The Rovers boss also explained that the half-time message focused on getting back to their identity. “We went long too much and went a little bit safe when we did get it. So it was about reaffirming the message at half-time. I enjoyed the last 30 minutes because we defended well and we broke at pace, whereas the end of the first half I didn’t enjoy it. We looked more like us second half, we took the ball and broke with intensity and could have had more goals. But there’ll be times, like there was last season, where we’re not at our best and it’s about standing firm, not conceding and winning the game.”
Vale, under Darren Moore, can take heart from the chances created in the first half but left with tension growing as the clock ticked away. Moore spoke of his belief in his group and the need to maintain their energy while becoming more ruthless in front of goal. “I’m confident in these group of players. I think that it’s going to turn and I’m confident that we will get the results that we need. What we have to do now is show that bit of conviction in the opposition’s area and just be a bit more ruthless with our finishing,” he said.
What it means going forward: Doncaster’s early-season form suggests they’re capable of sustaining a promotion challenge, with a pragmatic approach and effective counter-attacking at key moments. Vale, despite the setback, can take positives from a first-half display and the belief the squad can turn results around with continued improvements in finishing and consistency.
Summary: Bailey’s goal gave Doncaster the edge to secure a tight win at Vale Park, leaving Vale with work to do to translate their first-half pressure into points and Doncaster with momentum as they push for a strong season in League One.