Exeter City extend unbeaten run with convincing win at Port Vale

Exeter City continued their impressive unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One with a well-earned 3–1 victory over Port Vale in Staffordshire, as goals from Carlos Mendes Gomes, Jayden Wareham and Timur Tutierov sealed another confident away performance.

The Grecians arrived at Vale Park full of confidence following their dominant home win over Stevenage, and manager Gary Caldwell will have been pleased to see his side maintain the form that has gathered momentum since the festive period.

Port Vale, meanwhile, were searching for a response after a heavy defeat at Mansfield Town the previous week. With Jon Brady still early into his tenure and the Valiants rooted to the bottom of the table, the hosts were in desperate need of points.

Caldwell made one change to the starting line-up, with Jack Aitchison rewarded for his impact off the bench against Stevenage. Jack McMillan returned to the squad after injury, taking a place among the substitutes.

Vale began brightly, forcing City into early defensive action, with Luca Woodhouse producing last-ditch defending to deny Devante Cole inside the opening minutes. Moments later, Joe Whitworth was called into action to save smartly at his near post as the hosts pressed.

City gradually settled and began to impose themselves, with Liam Oakes, Ethan Brierley and Mendes Gomes combining to force a corner. The breakthrough arrived after 22 minutes when Ilmari Niskanen delivered an inviting cross that Mendes Gomes met with a fine header into the bottom corner.

The Grecians threatened to double their lead before the break, with Jayden Wareham denied by a brave close-range save from Matt Gauci, before the striker rattled the post with an ambitious volley moments before half-time.

City wasted little time after the restart. Within minutes, Wareham capitalised on a loose clearance to drill a precise finish into the bottom corner and make it 2–0.

Caldwell then introduced Timur Tutierov, and the Ukrainian winger made an immediate impact. Just minutes after coming on, he converted at the back post from Aitchison’s pass to score his second goal in as many games, extending City’s lead to three.

Vale did manage a late response when substitute Cam Humphreys fired home from close range, but Exeter remained largely in control, with Tutierov and Wareham both going close to adding further goals during stoppage time.

The final whistle confirmed another strong result for Exeter City, whose blend of attacking quality and defensive organisation continues to serve them well as their unbeaten run rolls on.