Darren Moore hails Port Vale for taking point at Burton despite early dismissal

Port Vale boss Darren Moore hailed his 10-man side for earning a point from a goalless draw at Burton despite George Byers’ early dismissal.

Captain Byers was shown a straight red card by referee Scott Oldham for his strong challenge on Burton midfielder Charlie Webster after just 15 minutes, but Moore was not sure about the decision.

He said: “We have prepared all week with a game plan for today and in a split second that plan goes out the window so you have to adapt quickly and its credit to the lads how they did that and we had moments where we could have won the game.

“In real time I didn’t think it was a sending-off. It looked like a perfectly timed challenge, but the interpretation of the law says that it was a little bit reckless and done at speed which sometimes challenges will warrant that.

“The referee has made his decision, and we can’t change that now. We lost George and the most pleasing thing for me is the way that the boys adapted themselves and went about their jobs in the right manner.”

Vale kept their heads and had chances to take all the points, defender Jesse Debrah going close with a late header, but Moore was pleased with his side’s temperament.

He said: “I was pleased that we didn’t allow it to make us petulant in our game, and we stayed solid with our work. We had a game plan and the players stayed with it as best as they possibly could in the circumstances.”

Burton head coach Gary Bowyer concentrated on the positives for his side, coming off the back of last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Barnsley where they had led 2-0 at half-time.

He said: “I am really pleased with a first clean sheet of the season, and I thought we showed great learning from last week because Port Vale had a couple of opportunities late on and I think you have to give them credit for how they fought when they went down to 10 men.

“It was a great learning experience for this young team, playing against 10 men and a low block and we will be better for that. That’s the last two games now where people have expected us to win and we haven’t quite got it over the line, but the players will learn from that.”

Burton had the better chances, particularly in the second half with substitute Tyrese Shade coming close to a first goal in Albion colours while skipper Jake Beesley was denied at the death.

“Tyrese Shade was really good when he came on and he almost won it for us but for a good save from their keeper,” Bowyer said.

“Jake Beesley has gone close with a couple of chances late on but it’s slightly disappointing that we didn’t create more.”