Wrexham’s Rollercoaster EFL Trophy Match Against Port Vale: Cleworth Shines, Amos Heroics, and Mullin’s Goal Drought Continues
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson followed through on his promise of making “wholesale changes” for the EFL Trophy fixture against Port Vale. He fielded an entirely different starting lineup from the team that won 1-0 against Mansfield on Saturday.
However, it was a rocky start for the Red Dragons. Team captain Will Boyle picked up an injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Max Cleworth, while right-back Luke Bolton also went down injured within the first 15 minutes, making way for Sebastian Revan.
Despite these early setbacks, Wrexham controlled most of the possession in the first half, with Matty James dictating play in the midfield. However, they struggled to find creativity in the final third, often failing to carve out a decisive final pass.
The second half saw a spark in Wrexham’s attacking tandem, with strikers Modou Faal and Jon Bodvarsson creating more trouble for the Port Vale defense. A series of corners early in the half kept the pressure on the opposition, and in the 51st minute, Wrexham’s persistence paid off. Cleworth capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, tapping in from close range after a backward flick from Bodvarsson left him unmarked at the far post.
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After going 1-0 up, Wrexham continued to dominate, and Parkinson introduced more firepower by bringing on Paul Mullin. However, this strategy backfired as Port Vale found new momentum. In the 82nd minute, Rico Richards converted a set-piece to equalize, taking the game to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Port Vale’s goalkeeper Ben Amos stole the spotlight, making crucial saves to deny Anthony Forde, Oliver Rathbone, and Revan, leading Port Vale to a 3-1 shootout victory. Nevertheless, the result held little weight, as both teams had already secured their progress to the last 32, with Wrexham finishing at the top of the group based on goal difference.
Several players stood out in this fixture. Cleworth, who was thrust into the starting lineup last-minute, delivered an impressive performance at center-back and scored the game’s opening goal, making the most of his opportunity. For Port Vale, Ben Amos’s three shootout saves deserve a special mention, though his efforts didn’t affect the final standings.
Unfortunately, Wrexham’s star striker Paul Mullin extended his goal drought, failing to score in 13 consecutive outings since his return from minor spinal surgery. While he converted his spot-kick in the shootout, the lack of goals from Wrexham’s talisman remains a concern.
With the EFL Trophy group stage behind them, Wrexham now turns its attention back to League One, where they face Stockport on Saturday. Parkinson will hope his team can capitalize on the positives from this match and find consistency as they continue their league campaign.