Port Vale and Grimsby Town played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their League Two clash on April 21, 2025, The match featured late drama as Port Vale scored a last-gasp equalizer to maintain their push for automatic promotion. What initially looked like a comfortable away win for Grimsby turned into a nail-biting finish as Vale showed their promotion credentials with a spirited comeback.
Grimsby’s first-half dominance
Grimsby Town started the brighter of the two sides and took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute. Captain Danny Rose was in the right place at the right time when Charles Vernam’s initial shot was saved, with the rebound falling kindly to Rose who made no mistake from close range.
The Mariners continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack throughout the first half. Port Vale goalkeeper Ben Amos was called into action several times, making a crucial save to deny Justin Obikwu from extending Grimsby’s lead before the break.
Vale struggled to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying spells of possession, with Grimsby goalkeeper Jake Eastwood comfortably dealing with what came his way, including a well-directed header from Nathan Smith.
Rose doubles Grimsby’s advantage
The second half saw Port Vale come out with renewed purpose as they sought to get back iunto the game. However, it was Grimsby who struck again to double their advantage.
The crucial moment came when Evan Khouri was brought down in the penalty area following a swift counter-attack. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and captain Danny Rose stepped up confidently to convert the penalty, sending Amos the wrong way and claiming his second goal of the match.
At 2-0 up with much of the second half played, Grimsby appeared to be cruising toward three valuable away points.
Vale’s remarkable comeback
With just 12 minutes remaining on the clock, Port Vale finally found a way through Grimsby’s resolute defense. Lorent Tolaj provided the lifeline Vale desperately needed, finishing from close range after good work down the right flank.
The goal energized both the home team and the crowd, setting up a grandstand finish as Vale pushed for an equalizer. Jake Eastwood continued to frustrate the hosts with a spectacular save to deny Rico Richards, but Vale’s pressure was mounting.
Just as it seemed Grimsby would hold on for the win, Port Vale struck in the dying moments of the game. Jesse Debrah emerged as the unlikely hero, finding space in a crowded penalty area to slot home and send the home supporters into raptures.
Match implications and key statistics
The 2-2 draw has significant implications for both teams:
- Port Vale remain on course for automatic promotion from League Two
- Grimsby will feel disappointed to have let a two-goal lead slip
- Danny Rose’s brace takes his season tally to an impressive 14 goals
- The result extends Port Vale’s unbeaten home run to seven games
- Grimsby picked up one yellow card, while Port Vale finished the game with a clean disciplinary record
Jake Eastwood deserves special mention for his performance in the Grimsby goal, making several crucial saves throughout the match. Despite his efforts, Port Vale’s persistence ultimately paid off with their late equalizer.
The draw means Port Vale maintain their position in the automatic promotion places, though they’ll view this as two points dropped rather than one gained considering their promotion ambitions. For Grimsby, the result represents a missed opportunity to claim a significant scalp in their mid-table campaign.