Nine-man Newport County suffered a devastating 4-1 defeat at home to Port Vale, bringing their positive run of form in League Two to an end.
Jayden Stockley gave the Valiants an early lead with a strong header after 5 minutes, beating Nick Townsend. Newport equalised with a header of their own as Aaron Wildig comfortably directed the ball into the top corner of Port Vale’s net. Stockley restored Port Vale’s lead in the 35th minute, completing his brace as Newport went into the break trailing.
Ethan Chislett extended Port Vale’s lead shortly after the restart with a composed finish. The Valiants added their fourth just six minutes later, with Tolaj rifling the ball home from close range.
Newport's task was made even more challenging with two red cards midway through the second half: Ciaran Brennan for violent conduct and Kyle Jameson for a second yellow card.
Head coach Nelson Jardim made one change to his starting XI from last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Morecambe. Cameron Evans stepped in to replace Matt Baker in central defence, while Kyle Hudlin returned to the bench following his cameo appearance in Tuesday night’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Cheltenham Town.
Port Vale started the match with intent, as Stockley broke the deadlock just five minutes in with a well-timed header that found the far corner of Townsend’s net. In pursuit of an equaliser, Bobby Kamwa's close-range attempt was blocked, and Anthony Glennon’s first-time strike was brilliantly saved by Connor Ripley.
Newport equalised in the 22nd minute with a perfect header from Wildig, who brought his season tally to three goals. However, Stockley restored Port Vale’s lead ten minutes later, finishing a Tolaj header with a composed touch.
Before the half-time whistle, Kamwa was fouled just outside the box by Connor Hall, winning a free-kick in a dangerous area. Kamwa’s low attempt was blocked by the Port Vale wall, and the rebound effort by Bryn Morris sailed over the crossbar.
In the second half, Port Vale continued to dominate, with Tolaj assisting Chislett for the third goal and then scoring the fourth himself in the 54th minute, following a low cross from Kyle John.
Midway through the second half, Newport were reduced to ten men when Brennan received a straight red card for violent conduct after an altercation with Ben Garrity. Just nine minutes later, Jameson received a second yellow card, leaving Newport with nine men.
Port Vale nearly took advantage of Newport’s reduced numbers immediately, with Townsend making a brilliant save to deny Rico Richards from close range.
Newport's attempts to get back into the game saw Glennon’s floated free-kick narrowly miss the head of C. Evans, and Wildig’s long-range curling effort crashed off the crossbar. Tolaj had a chance to complete his brace, but his low effort was saved by Townsend and then put over by the Port Vale forward.
Full-time
Newport County return to League Two action next Saturday against Swindon Town at the County Ground (12:30pm).
Attendance: 4,851 (554 away)
Newport County: Townsend, McLoughlin (Sanca 4’), C. Evans, Jameson, Brennan (red card 58’), Glennon, Wildig (C), Morris, Antwi (K. Evans 64’), Kamwa (Greaves 69’), Baker-Richardson (Hudlin 64’)
Substitutes: Carney, Rai, Jephcott
Port Vale: Ripley, Hall, Byers (Lowe 68’), Garrity (C), Stockley (Hackford 75’), Chislett (Paton 75’), Tolaj, Debrah, John, Cover (Sang 68’), Baker-Boaitey (Richards 57’)
Substitutes: Heneghan, Amos