Vale needed just a point order to clinch the title of the Central League. Two goals from Dan Turner, a goal from both Dior Angus and Youth Player of the Year, Harry Benns, made it a comfortable afternoon for the Vale.

Despite the score line, it was a slow start to the game with both sides failing to create any clear-cut chances. Dior Angus and Dan Turner were keeping the Grimsby defence on their toes in the opening stages, but had little opportunity to find the back of the net.

It was on the half an hour mark the first goal came for Vale. Dan Turner was quick on his feet to react to a poor Grimsby back pass, and found himself one on one with the keeper and slotted it into the bottom corner. After the slow start, Dior Angus nearly doubled the lead soon after. Jack Grimshaw did well to whip the ball into the box, and after a quick shimmy on the ball Angus found himself with an opportunity to shoot, but his shot was well saved by the keeper.

Heading into the second half it was only a matter of time before Vale added a second. Dan Turner again causing havoc amongst the Grimsby defence, shrugged off one defender before unleashing a powerful shot against the post. Just a minute later the lead was doubled and the title was heading to Port Vale. Dior Angus was fouled in the box and converted the penalty comfortably into the bottom corner.

Youth Player of the Year, Harry Benns was determined to not miss out on any of the action and got himself on the score sheet 10 minutes later. Campbell-Gordon’s quick thinking from a throw in released Turner, who beat two defenders to find Benns, and he smashed the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards.

Mick Ede’s side were resolute to secure the title with a win and that’s just how it was heading. Dan Turner added a fourth goal six minutes from time before Grimsby scored a consolation just before the final whistle. It was the perfect way to end the season for the reserves, and manager Mick Ede was delighted to see his young players secure the title in such fashion.

“The guys had to go out and perform today. We knew we had to win to make sure and that didn’t matter what Mansfield did. I’ve set them out the task ‘let’s go and win the game’ like we have done most of the season and it’s finishing on a high.

“They’ve stuck to the task, second half in particular we played a lot better in the final third. We took our chances, created more chances and I think we’ve deserved it.

“Through the season it hasn’t been often we’ve taken the reserves and been able to put some of the younger players in. We finished with four or five first year scholars for the last half an hour, and that’s going to be a great experience for them.

“We looked better and better when the younger players came on, because they were a young side and it probably suited them to the style of play.”

PORT VALE LINE UP: Boot, Thomas (65), Walford, Calveley, Ryder (73), Hill (65), Grimshaw, Griffiths (56), Turner, Angus, Benns (77).

Subs: Berks (73), Jackson (65), Gordon (65), Ward (56), Ede (77).

Max McLellan

@McLellanMax