PLAYER RATINGS:

Lawrence Vigouroux – 8.5

Answered his critics with an excellent performance between the sticks. Showed confidence with some of his catches, couple of saves too.

Kyle Knoyle – 8

Appeared to enjoy his more attacking role. Linked up well with Anderson and McCourt in the first half. Impressed boss Wellens too, job done as far as he is concerned.

Jak McCourt – 7.5

Few rushed crosses but generally got the ball into good areas and troubled Vale’s left side of midfield. Big pitch appeared to benefit him. Subbed after dislocating his shoulder.

Sid Nelson – 7.5

Made a crucial goalline clearance amid Port Vale’s purple patch mid-way through the second half. Got physical when it was needed, another leading performance.

Elijah Adebayo – 7.5

Gave the ball away cheaply at times but was in the right areas – particularly when scoring his goal. A monkey off his back after initially being dropped to the bench.

Keshi Anderson – 8

Full of energy, made some great runs and will consider himself unfortunate not to find the back of the net. Quieter second half bumps his rating down a tad.

Steven Alzate – 7.5

A quiet game for Alzate, generally held the ball up well though to create time and space for his teammates. Committed a couple of needless fouls.

Ellis Iandolo - 8

Looks to be enjoying his new role as left back and wasn’t afraid to make a couple of runs forward either.

Scott Twine – 8

Has made a big impression on the new manager and rightly so. Got into the right areas, proved strong with his head in the first half. Mature performance.

Matt Taylor – 7

Lost his man a few times and a little off the space sprinting wise. Held his nerve when under intense pressure in the second half, though.

Luke Woolfenden – 7

Quieter of the four defenders. Ultimately dug deep to record a timely clean sheet for Town though, and an even more timely three points.

Subs:

Michael Doughty – 7.5

Without doubt steadied the midfield when Town were up against things in the second half.

Jermaine McGlashan – 7

Played a more defensive role than what fans have become used to.

Olly Lancashire 6.5

Placed on the pitch in injury time to create a back five, held his nerve under pressure.