The Vale headed to Chertsey Town for an FA Cup tie in what was a tough draw. Chertsey Town, having won the Isthmian South Central last season with only one loss (at Grand Drive in September) had strengthened their already strong squad and had a good start to life at Step 3.

A one-minute round of applause preceded the game in honour of long time Vale man Brian Biggs, who unfortunately passed away last week.

Manager Josh Gallagher sent out the same starting side as last week’s home win vs Badshot Lea: Bishop in goal, Harland-Goddard, Black and Lewis in defence, Jake Gallagher and McKillop holding, Hector, Greene and Jordan Gallagher in midfield with Sotoyimbo and Barnes up front.

Chertsey was on the scoresheet on their first trip down the pitch. A mishit clearance and mistimed defensive header left Chertsey striker Mazzone with a relatively simple tap-in.

On 9’ things got worse when a very early cross found a not very closely marked Mazzone for a free header. 2-0 to the home side.

The Vale had actually started quite brightly, moving the ball around well. 2 minutes after the 2nd goal, some good work down the right side allowed Tom Barnes to set up Dan Hector on the edge of the box, but his shot leaked wide from a good position.

Chertsey’s wingers were a threatening pair and a corner created by their right winger resulted in a shot over the bar on 16’ and his cross set up a dangerous shot again 2 minutes later, saved well by Bishop.

The Vale continued to move the ball smartly and on 28’ got their reward when good work by Sotoyimbo to set up Hector resulted in a penalty. Sotoyimbo took the ball and sent the Chertsey keeper the wrong way to make it a one goal game.

Both sides were doing their part in a high quality and entertaining game. Both sides created chances, although Chertsey looked more able to create real threats and The Vale rode their luck a bit.

And then on 45’ it was level. A Barnes header set Hector free with a bit of space down the left side, and his cross came to Jake Gallagher on one bounce at the top of the area to be dispatched beautifully past the Chertsey keeper. So The Vale went in at the break even at 2-2.

The second half proceeded largely as had the first….both teams playing attractive football, with The Vale having a bit more possession while Chertsey looked a bit more dangerous.

Then on 61’ The Vale missed a golden chance to go ahead. Barnes disposed a Chertsey midfielder on midfield leaving a 4v2 and Jordy Gallagher’s shot was blocked by the Chertsey keeper.

On 76’ The Vale gave away a free kick about 10 yards outside the box and the resulting ball was not cleared and bundled in. 3-2 to Chertsey.

Subs Berry, Vincent, Sharpe and Moody came on to push for an equalizer and a period of sustained pressure and Vale corners came and went without creating a clear cut chance.

And so The Vale went out of the FA Cup earlier than hoped. On to a home tie in the FA Trophy with Beckenham Town on Saturday