Port Vale finally ended their long wait for a home victory with a 1-0 win over Exeter City. George Byers' second-half penalty was the decisive moment that lifted the club off the foot of League Two.
The result, secured on September 12, moves Vale up to 22nd place on five points from six games. It was their first win at Vale Park in six attempts, a run stretching back to early April. The three points also cut the gap to Saturday's opponents Walsall to five.
Manager Jon Brady said the win provides essential belief. "It's so important," Brady told reporters. "Every single game we try to go and win - but hopefully this gives us a lot more confidence."
Byers converted his spot-kick in the 70th minute to settle a tight contest. The win halted a sequence of two consecutive league defeats and improved a recent form line that now reads WLLDD.
Brady confirmed he plans to deploy a three-man defence for the upcoming trip to the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, with Jordan Gabriel and Jaheim Headley operating as wing-backs. Walsall are unbeaten in their last six league outings, though four of those have been draws.
The victory was a vital response after a difficult start to the campaign that has seen Vale score just three goals while conceding seven. The club's next fixture is an away match against Rotherham on January 9.
Port Vale will now look to build on this result and carry the momentum into a challenging away fixture this weekend.
Manager Jon Brady confirmed his tactical plan for Saturday's trip to Walsall. "We'll go with a back three," Brady said. "Jordan Gabriel and Jaheim Headley will be our wing-backs." The club's verified data shows Vale are 22nd in League Two with five points from six games. Their recent form is WLLDD. They face a Walsall side sitting fifth in the table.
