Port Vale replace Walsall at top of League Two after beating title rivals

Walsall were knocked off the top of League Two for the first time in four months as Port Vale leapfrogged them with a 3-2 victory at the Bescot Stadium.

All five goals came in the first half as Vale claimed a fifth win in six and extended Walsall’s winless run to nine games.

Walsall had a goal disallowed inside 12 seconds, Jamille Matt’s header from Liam Gordon’s cross ruled out for a push.

Vale led on four minutes as Lorent Tolaj’s overhead kick crashed off a post and in off goalkeeper Sam Hornby.

Walsall levelled three minutes later as Taylor Allen tucked home a penalty after Jayden Stockley’s handball.

They home side were ahead on 11 minutes as Levi Amantchi held off a defender to slot home Oisin McEntee’s cross.

A clean-through Amantchi was denied a second by Ben Amos’ fingertips before Vale equalised on 41 minutes as Ben Garrity smashed home from a long throw.

Vale went back in front in first-half stoppage time, Tolaj netting from the spot after being brought down by McEntee.

They kept the hosts quiet after the break and could have added a fourth late on, Garrity’s classy volley well tipped over by Hornby.