A defeat that can only be put down to poor finishing, and some desperate defending by the Welfare.

The game started with Vale under the cosh and the defence was ripped apart within 2 minutes by a flowing Welfare move that resulted in Jack Wright slotting the ball home with a well placed shot.

The Vale defence was having a torrid time for the first 15 minutes, but gradually started to get a grip in the game and had a few chances of equalising in the later part of the half.

With half time approaching the Vale were beginning to dominate the game without the cutting edge to get the equaliser.

Half time 1-0

The second half was essentially all Vale with some sporadic attacks from Welfare.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 78 minute when substitute Liall Smith curled in the equaliser from the edge of the box.

Vale were now in the ascendancy and chasing the winner with a few chances going a begging. In the 90 minute a looping header from Jay Stevens landed on the top of the net.

However, with Vale forcing corner after corner and the game into injury time, Welfare broke up the park with Kyle Mitchell outstripping the Vale defence where he was tripped by Craig McBride about 20 yards from the goal in a central position. McBride being the last man was sent off.

From the resultant free kick Connor MacGregor placed the ball in the top right hand corner.

The least the Vale deserved from this game was one point and with more clinical finishing probably two.

Full Time 2-1