Port Vale 5-0 Tamworth – International Club Friendly

Port Vale gave their pre‑season preparations a major boost with a commanding 5‑0 victory over non‑league Tamworth at Vale Park on July 15. The League Two side looked sharp throughout, scoring three times in the first half and adding two more after the break to run out comfortable winners.

Match Overview

Manager Darren Moore fielded a strong starting XI, and the Valiants dominated possession from the first minute. Tamworth, playing two divisions lower, were unable to cope with the speed of Port Vale’s attacking transitions. A fluid front four caused constant problems, while the defence was rarely tested.

Key Moments

• 9th minute – Port Vale took the lead through James Plant, who fired home from a tight angle after a flowing move down the right.
• 23rd minute – A second goal arrived when Ben Garrity pounced on a defensive error to slot home from six yards.
• 36th minute – Ryan Loft made it 3‑0 with a powerful header from a corner.
• 58th minute – Substitute Ethan Chislett added a fourth with a curling effort from outside the box.
• 79th minute – Jayson Leutwiler completed the scoring with a tap‑in following a goalmouth scramble.

Tactical Story

Port Vale employed a high press that forced Tamworth into repeated mistakes. Full‑backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas, while the midfield trio of Garrity, Tom Conlon, and Funso Ojo controlled the tempo. Tamworth rarely threatened, registering only two off‑target shots.

Standout Players

• Ben Garrity (Port Vale) – Scored one goal and assisted another, orchestrating play from midfield.
• Ryan Loft (Port Vale) – A constant aerial threat, winning six duels and scoring.
• James Plant (Port Vale) – Showed pace and directness on the flank, causing havoc.

Season Impact

The result gives Port Vale momentum ahead of their final pre‑season fixtures. Manager Moore will be pleased with the team’s ruthlessness in front of goal, while Tamworth will need to tighten up defensively before their National League North campaign begins.