Some early forays down the flanks saw a couple of balls into the Chiswick box without a clear chance being created — but a questionable penalty decision then went Vale’s way. Rowlands had carried the ball into the box, got to the by-line and then delivered a cross which hit the Chiswick player’s arm from 1-2 yards away. Hate to see it given against you, love it when it’s for the boys in blue. Slater stepped up, and cooly dispatched it down the middle of the goal (0-1).

The goal did little to change the flow of the game. Side to side Vale went, the warm up exercise coming into its own in such matches. A sea of blue and white crabs shuffled across the pitch time and again, blocking the Barnes thoroughfares as if inspired by the Evergreen. This was despite Matteo doing his best to disrupt the Pulis-like rhythm, handing out wrong decisions for throw-ins and free-kicks left, right and centre — although unlike our previous experience with him it was evenly distributed, leading to some unity on the pitch between the two teams.

Possession was well retained by Vale throughout the half, with some neat interplay working us up the pitch before playing one of Rowlands, Foley, Clements or Given in behind. Clear cut chances were at a premium following the goal, but a couple of half-chances were created towards the end of the half. First, Foley put Rowlands in down the left channel, and only a good save from the Chiswick keeper stopped it being two — and Slater fired over from the right side of the box following a quick counter.

A huge shift from everyone saw us go in one up at the break.

​

HT: 0-1