1 Point Won, Two Points Lost

From 2-0 down as early as the 10th minute, Vale had to dig deep and get themselves into the game again, which they did with goals either side of the half time break, but would then leave the field disappointed not to claim all 3 points following a dominant second half show.

Vale started sluggishly and early errors led to Rufford taking a 2 goal lead so early in the game. It still took a while for Vale to rise from their slumber and it was on the half hour mark did they start to battle back, challenging strongly and showing some grit and desire.

A few chances came our way and it looked as though 2-0 would be the half time score until a deflected effort finally brought the hosts back into the game.

At 2-1 and on the front foot, it was a rallying call at half time that the next goal would prove crucial. We started as strong second half as we'd ended the first and drew level with just 10 played. It looked at this point that all 3 points would be in the bag if just one more chance was taken.

As it was, Vale would be frustrated despite countless attempts being spurned, the post hit, the crossbar hit and quality saves forced from the visiting stopper.

For the last half an hour it felt as though it was when not if that the winning goal would come but it never arrived.

In fact, in the final moments of the game Rufford had a chance to steal the game with a free kick just yards outside the box but the wall held firm and the whistle followed indicating a point won from 2-0 down but 2 points dropped with the visiters accepting they could've lost 6-2 due to the second half performance