Port Vale have gone into the break a goal up over Walsall after a Tom Pope header.

The match started slowly, with Vale debutant Ryan Inniss looking lively as Walsall struggled without their top scorer Tom Bradshaw.

Walsall had two penalty shouts turned down in quick succession as they looked to fight their way through the Vale defence.

However, it was Vale who grabbed the opening goal, Carl Dickinson sending in a nice cross from out wide to allow Pope to head home from close range.

Walsall continued to struggle to find an opening, and headed into the changing rooms at half time 1-0 down.