Sheffield Wednesday player ratings as Ben Heneghan and Reece James stand out in Port Vale win

 

© Steve Flynn/News Images Reece James of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates with goal-scorer Will Vaulks. Photo credit: Steve Flynn/News Images Sheffield Wednesday (3-4-1-2)

David Stockdale 6

Made a vital save with his legs to keep out a Walker shot in the first half. In blustery conditions and on a tricky playing surface, Stockdale struggled with his distribution. His sixth clean sheet in 11 matches.

Michael Ihiekwe 7

There was nothing flashy from the former Rotherham United man. Steady showing on the right of the back three. Has acquitted himself well since moving to Wednesday.

Ben Heneghan 8

Bullet header from a Bannan corner was brilliantly clawed away by Stevens. Was strong in the air and made a number of important clearances to keep the hosts at bay. A strong presence in the back line.

Read more: David Stockdale fires ominous Sheffield Wednesday warning to the rest of League One

Reece James 8

Went quietly about his business. Was composed on the ball and dealt with everything Port Vale threw his way. Defended resolutely.

Liam Palmer 6

Not one of his better performances. His passing was poor and he found it difficult to offer much attacking threat down the right hand side. Kept on plugging away.

Barry Bannan 7

The midfield playmaker constantly looked to get the Owls on the front foot. Saw a rasping right foot shot superbly turned away by Stevens after a quick counter attack. Curled a free kick narrowly wide.

Will Vaulks 7

Grafted hard in and out of possession in the centre. Tried his best to offer protection to the defence. Opened his Owls account in superb fashion, drilling a stunning right foot shot out of Stevens' reach. A goal of the season contender.

Marvin Johnson 6

Was busy on the left flank and always looked to get forward to provide the ammunition for the forward line. Got into some good positions but his final ball was not always the best.

Josh Windass 6

Dragged a couple of shots wide either side of half-time. Buzzed around in the No 10 position but was unable to come up with a moment of inspiration in the final third.

Michael Smith 5

Not his day. Ineffective as Wednesday's focal point. Failed to hold the ball up and make things stick in attack. The service into him was not the best.

Mallik Wilks 6

Handed his first league start. His touch let him down on a few occasions. Livened up after the break and had an attempted shot well blocked in the build up to Vaulks' goal.

Substitutes:

Callum Paterson (68, 6)

Put himself about. Was booked after an off the ball incident.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (82, n/a)

Unused: Cameron Dawson, Jack Hunt, Dominic Iorfa, Tyreeq Bakinson, Alex Mighten.

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