Ephron Mason-Clark continued his recent good form with the winner in a gritty victory at Port Vale.
Peterborough United extended their unbeaten run with a determined defensive display on the road at Vale Park with Ephron Mason-Clark’s early goal proving the difference on a night where Darren Ferguson’s men dug in to secure the three points.
After a rather quiet start to the evening, it was the hosts who created the first half chance but an off-balance Ryan Loft sent his cross-shot well wide of the target. Joel Randall fired well wide of the target on 11 minutes after advancing from a deep position.
The deadlock was broken two minutes later as a deep left-footed cross from Kwame Poku was forced home at the back post by Ephron MASON-CLARK. The goal took a while to register with the Posh fans at the other end of the pitch as goalkeeper Conor Ripley had initially appeared to have blocked the effort.
Archie Collins was cautioned for a foul by referee Marc Edwards on 22 minutes, his fifth caution of the campaign. Garrity was cautioned for a dive much to the displeasure of the home supporters on the half hour mark.
Darren Ferguson was forced into a change on 38 minutes with Collins forced off with a head injury, Jadel Katongo was his replacement. Ojo tested Bilokapic from range moments later, with the Australian keeper shovelling the effort around the post.
Jones dragged a shot wide of the target after a forceful run at the other end. Six minutes of added time was indicated by the fourth official and a minute into that added time, Posh had two chances in quick succession, first Randall was denied by Ripley and then the big keeper did well to repel Jones with the rebound.
Port Vale made a change at the break with Uche Ikpeazu replacing Ryan Loft in attack. They were forced into another change on 53 minutes with Chislett limping out to be replaced by Josh Thomas. Â Poku was cautioned for kicking the ball away moments later as the stop-start nature of the second half continued.
Posh carved out a big chance on 58 minutes as Randall picked out Poku in space, but his first touch narrowed the angle and his shot was saved by the legs of Ripley. Posh made their second change just after the hour with David Ajiboye replacing Poku.
On 66 minutes, Edwards produced a fine clearance off the line to deny substitute Plant with the attacker cutting inside and for all the world looking to find the bottom corner. Vale made a double change on 69 minutes with Devine and Sang introduced.
Kioso was cautioned for a shirt tug on 72 minutes by referee Mr Edwards. Ojo sent a rasping drive wide from 20-yards after a short free-kick taken by the home side. Ojo saw a low effort palmed around the post by Bilokapic before Posh made a double switch as Zak Sturge and Ryan De Havilland were introduced.
Kyprianou was cautioned for a shirt tug moments later. Romoney Crichlow and Jonson Clarke-Harris were then introduced as Ojo was again denied by Bilokapic. Ten minutes of added time was indicated by the fourth official as Ojo flashed another shot wide of the target.
Ajiboye dragged a shot wide of the target five minutes into stoppage time after good work from De Havilland. Ikpeazu saw a shot on the turn gathered by Bilokapic moments later. Crichlow was cautioned for kicking the ball away on 98 minutes.
Port Vale: Ripley, Balmer (sub Debrah 45min), Smith, Clark (sub Plant 53min), Garrity, Loft (sub Ikpeazu 46min), Chislett (sub Thomas 53min), Ojo, Lowe, Arblaster (sub Devine 69min), Massey (sub Sang 69min). Unused subs: Leutwiler.
Posh: Bilokapic, Burrows (sub Clarke-Harris 82min), Edwards, Knight, Kioso (sub Crichlow 82min), Kyprianou, Collins (sub Katongo 39min), Randall (sub De Havilland 75min), Mason-Clark, Jones (sub Sturge 75min), Poku (sub Ajiboye 62min). Unused subs: Talley.
Half-time: Port Vale 0-1 Peterborough United
Full-time: Port Vale 0-1 Peterborough United
Attendance: 5,299 (376 Posh fans)
Referee: Marc Edwards