Port Vale secured their second victory of the season with a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town in the Football League Trophy group stage on Tuesday night. The result at Vale Park provides a welcome boost for a side sitting 23rd in League Two with just five points from seven games.
An own goal from Stephen McLaughlin after just four minutes gave Vale an early lead. The points were sealed by substitute Maleace Asamoah, who found the net a mere 26 seconds after entering the pitch in the 58th minute. His instant impact will give manager Jon Brady a positive selection headache.
Brady made several changes to his starting line-up, with Marko Marosi in goal and Max Watters leading the attack. Defender Jasper Moon and Cameron Humphreys also started, while Charlie Bussell came on at half-time for George Hall and played the full second period. Mansfield, who made seven alterations from their last league outing, dominated possession but could not convert their chances, with Jon Russell hitting the crossbar late on.
For Vale supporters, the clean sheet and two goals offer a glimmer of hope during a difficult start to the campaign. The team has conceded nine league goals while scoring only three, leaving them 11 points adrift of the summit. The victory was only their second in 11 matches across all competitions this season.
Mansfield manager Nigel Clough rotated his squad, saying he "made seven changes from the side that came from behind to draw 2-2 against Burton Albion in the league." The defeat confirms their exit from the tournament at the group stage, having lost both of their matches in the northern section.
Port Vale now turn their focus to a key League Two fixture at home to Grimsby Town this weekend. Grimsby currently occupy ninth place, making it a tough test for Brady's men as they look to carry their cup form into the league. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The original report is at Mansfield and Ashfield Chad
