Match Summary
Port Vale defeated Bolton 1:0. The match was played in League One 2025. Goals were scored by George Hall 34′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Port Vale had 40% possession while Bolton held 60%. Port Vale had 11 shots (2 on target) compared to 7 (2 on target) for Bolton. Port Vale made 4 substitutions, Bolton made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Port Vale and Bolton — 1 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Jaheim Headley
Match Statistics
Port Vale had 40% possession against Bolton's 60%. Port Vale registered 11 shots (2 on target) while Bolton managed 7 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 2–5. Fouls committed: 12–10.
Lineups
Port Vale lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Jon Brady, while Bolton deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Steven Schumacher.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Port Vale is 6.82, compared to 6.89 for Bolton. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Port Vale's highest-rated starter is Elijah Campbell (7.05), while Bolton's best-rated player is Chris Forino (7.04).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Port Vale have contributed 3 goals and 3 assists this season, led by Connor Hall (1G). Bolton's starters account for 12 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by Sam Dalby (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Port Vale deploy 4 defenders rated 6.97 on average, against Bolton's 4-man backline averaging 7.04. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Port Vale field 5 midfielders averaging 6.72, versus Bolton's 5 rated 6.87. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Port Vale start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Bolton averaging 6.78. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 71% for Port Vale and 79% for Bolton. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Port Vale's starters have collected 14 yellow cards this season, compared to 14 for Bolton. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Port Vale's starting XI is 25.6 (youngest: Rhys Walters (20), oldest: Funso Ojo (34)), while Bolton average 24.3 (youngest: Xavier Simons (22), oldest: Sam Dalby (26)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Port Vale's starters average 22 league appearances each, versus 30 for Bolton. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Port Vale have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Bolton show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Port Vale
Bolton
Head to Head
Port Vale and Bolton have met 2 times — Port Vale won 1, Bolton won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.50 per match (1 for the home side, 4 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–0 in 2025.
1
Port Vale
0
Drawn
1
Bolton
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 22 Mar 2026