Port Vale 5–0 Tamworth: Pre‑Season Rout at Vale Park

Port Vale opened their 2026 pre‑season campaign with a emphatic 5–0 friendly victory over National League side Tamworth on 14 July 2026. The match, held behind closed doors at Vale Park, gave manager Andy Crosby an early look at his squad’s sharpness.

The League One side dominated from the first whistle. Striker James Wilson scored a hat‑trick inside 35 minutes, combining with new signing Jayden Mitchell‑Lawson who provided two assists. Midfielder Tommy O’Reilly added a fourth just before half‑time, and substitute Matty Whitfield completed the scoring in the 78th minute with a composed finish from the edge of the area.

Pre‑Season Fitness and Integration

Crosby used the match to give minutes to trialists and returning loanees. The fluid attacking movement was a positive takeaway, while the defence barely had to work as Tamworth failed to register a single shot on target. The gulf in class was evident, but Tamworth manager Jon Brady will take encouragement from periods of disciplined shape in the second half.

Port Vale next face a tougher test against Bristol Rovers, while Tamworth continue their preparations with a trip to Solihull Moors.