Phil Sproson
Former Port Vale captain on BBC Radio Stoke

You don't want to count your chickens but going off that first-half display, Vale have taken the game to Bristol City.

I don't want to hoodoo him, but Gauci's handling has been good. Bristol City have made some good runs but apart from that they've not threatened.

Vale have done OK, they're working hard and closing Bristol City down quite well.

Bristol City know they're in a game tonight. Vale are worthy of this but they need to take that into the second half.

There's no reason why they can't knock Bristol City out tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

All square at the end of an absorbing, if not spectacular half.

Vale have held their own and had the better of the chances, Ben Waine seeing an angled shot blocked by the legs of keeper Joe Lumley and sending a glancing header wide, while a couple of other efforts have been charged down,

City have bossed the ball and the tempo but have not fashioned what you'd call a real chance as yet.

All to play for with a televised home tie with Sunderland at stake for the winner on Sunday lunchtime.

Ross McRorie's overhit backpass rolls behind to give Vale a corner from the last action of the half.

It's swung dangerously into the near post, headed half clear but Jordan Gabriel loops the ball back into the goalmouth where Ben Waine can only glance a foot wide of the post from close range.

ONE added minute at the end of the first half.

Vale just starting to drop deeper towards their own box as we approach half-time.

City have dominated possession but created very little.

Almost a sight of goal for City as Scott Twine and Seb Naylor almost get in each others way as a deflected shot breaks into space on the left of the box, but the Robins have to settle for a corner, which is dealt with by the home defence.

Image source, PA Media

Sinclair Armstrong bustles and weaves his way in from the right and is surrounded by white shirts, but he keeps on going before sending in a tame shot with his left foot, which Vale are able to clear.

Still no shot on target for the Championship side.

Simon Humphreys
BBC Radio Stoke commentator

Port Vale are working very hard tonight it has to be said. It's been much, much better from them.

Jordan Gabriel goes into the book after flying in on Seb Naylor as the Man City loanee tried to clear his lines.

Borne of frustration as a promising Vale attack broke down and a nailed on yellow from Elliot Bell.

City enjoying lots of the ball, as you might expect, but Vale are making it hard for them and have looked dangerous on the break and from set-pieces.

Good spell from the hosts as a dangerous corner is inches away from the head of Connor Hall at the near post, though City manage to clear behind for another set-piece, which comes to nought this time.

Gary Owers
Former Sunderland & Bristol City midfielder on BBC Radio Bristol

It's a very good save. Ben Waine gets in behind Pring and it's very well saved by Joe Lumley.

Best chance of the game.

Image source, Getty Images

Ben Waine so close to breaking the deadlock for the hosts.

The Kiwi gets in behind Cam Pring and latches onto a high ball down the right channel but the ball's bounce narrows the angle and once he's got the ball under his spell he can only fire a low angled shot into the legs of Joe Lumley at his near post.

Ethon Archer cuts in from the left flank and unleashes a stinging drive which is blocked by Max Bird in the box and doesn't quite break for Ben Waine.

After a long-throw is cleared Jordan Gabriel loops a high ball into the back post which Joe Lumley nervously tips behind - almost looks like he lost the flight in the lights.

Phil Sproson
Former Port Vale captain on BBC Radio Stoke

It's competitive in that midfield, Shipley and Walters are not letting Morsy and Bird have much of the ball by keeping tight to them.

It's definitely a nice distraction, but things have been looking up of late for Vale, though time is running out for the League One basement-boys.

Image source, PA Media

A valiant attempt from the Valiants at a high press, but City have got the technical ability to play around it in their own half and the hosts are chasing shadows for a moment.

Better from the visitors as Scott Twine threads the ball through for Sinclair Armstrong to break down the right but his dangerous cut-back into the mixer is brilliantly cut-out by a combination of Connor Hall, sliding back, and Jordan Gabriel who hacks away.

Gary Owers
Former Sunderland & Bristol City midfielder on BBC Radio Bristol

Port Vale are standing off City a little bit, you'd think they'd put a bit of pressure on and force a mistake.

City defender Seb Naylor gets away with a handball as he misses a header in the air and then almost controls it basketball style as it bounces up, but ref Elliot Bell was unsighted and despite howls from the crowd, we play on.