Spirit of 1999

Port Vale (H) - EFL Cup - 14th August 2024

The silence- impeccably observed. Brian Keen’s contribution to the life of Barrow AFC was to save it. Simple as that. Thanks feel inadequate but it is all we have- so thank you, Brian.

Football is an unceasing river, so we gathered and hoped for a good game to do a great man justice. We got it in the main, against a slightly callow but energetic young Port Vale side.

This wonderful old League Cup slowly strangled by lack of investment and prize money. Pre match food quaffed we had no sooner settled down than another slick set piece let Garner in, who rattled the ball home happily across the back post to score. Lovely.

As I wandered back to the stand, chatting to various people, glancing up I realised we didn’t seem to have had the ball much at all. Port Vale were much in the ascendancy, coming back. Farman came out to make a great smother but the danger wasn’t heeded and Paton deservedly equalised with a low curler.

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They were now really troubling us; with quick, one touch passing but we eventually worked out way back into the game. Katia Kouyate weaved through a maze of lunges and Kian Spence (here playing higher as a ten with Garner nine) came to the fore. Feeley rose majestically to flick on a header and a dangerous ball from Jackson. Half time.

Taking advantage of the hospitality offer I chatted to some contractors who only live in Barrow during the week and some visiting Port Vale. All agreed it had been a good game, good value for money at £10-but a poor crowd. Not sure what more could be done but ridiculous we get much more money in the Johnsons/Autoglass/Bristol thing with B Teams.

Still, back out and well on top now. Kouyate had the full back on toast- dangerous and direct running. Mahoney made a great pull back and Dean Campbell fired over. Spence, once again commanding- fired a shot in that as very bravely blocked.

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Plant rooted to spot as Kouyate buzzes past

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The, from nowhere- a missile from Tom Sang. Rather incredulous, we picked ourselves up and went at them again. Acquah was on and causing havoc, not just like an angry buffalo but with no little skill and panache. Great work from him saw Kouyate blaze over. But Emilie was not to be denied and cleverly flicked a back header in to equalise after good all round team play.

Two-two and the thought of penalties. Not required. Ben Jackson swept home with a ball that not so much moved as emigrated, such was the level of whip. There was still time for a wonderful move where Dom Telford was put clear by an Acquah back heel, drove into the area and shaved the post.

Game managed and we finished strongly again. An entertaining night and into the hat we go.

Brian Keen would have loved it. It was thanks to him that we did too.