PORT VALE 3 BARROW 1

Barrow suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat at promotion-chasing Port Vale as Ollie Banks’ stunning free-kick was left in vain.

Banks netted his fifth league goal of the season for the Bluebirds in the 33rd minute with a ferocious low strike.

But goals from Dennis Politic, a James Jones’ own goal and substitute Mal Benning’s late effort condemned the Bluebirds to their first league defeat in five.

Mark Cooper’s men were leading at the break but had their advantage wiped out 12 minutes after the break with Politic’s strike and James Jones’ unfortunate own goal.

And Benning came off the bench to seal victory for the impressive hosts just before the end.

The Bluebirds arrived in Burslem just two points behind Darrell Clarke’s Valiants after being held by Leyton Orient.

A point had extended an unbeaten run in the league to four games and the return of midfielder Banks was a welcome boost.

In-form Banks was suspended against the O’s and came in as boss Cooper’s only change.

But the Bluebirds are not short of injury troubles as Dimitri Sea, Jamie Devitt and Tom Beadling were among those ruled out.

Meanwhile, Valiants boss Clarke continued to show faith in his side by naming a fifth straight unchanged side in the league.

And the hosts started on the front foot, utilising former Bluebirds man Dan Jones’ lethal throw early on to cause problems.

The visitors were caught out by the intense Vale press and skipper Tom Conlon’s had a shot blocked after James Wilson’s interception.

Dangerous winger David Worrall was enjoying too much freedom down the right but couldn’t find a decisive cross.

Former Manchester United striker Wilson’s close-range strike was then blocked as the pressure continued.

That was until Banks’ moment of magic just over 10 minutes before half-time.

Banks stepped up for a free-kick 20 yards out and smashed a low-effort that was too powerful for Vale’s Brazilian ‘keeper Lucas Covolan to give the visitors the lead.

The 29-year-old’s fifth league goal of the season was celebrated in style in front of 407 travelling supporters.

But Banks was perhaps fortunate to escape red as he almost turned hero to villain before the break for a reckless challenge on Conlon.

Barrow’s lead didn’t last long after the break as Vale boss Clarke’s half-time substitutions were immediately vindicated.

Vale top scorer Jamie Proctor was replaced by Politic, who took just six minutes to equalise after racing round the ‘keeper and slotting into an empty net.

The turnaround was completed in the 56th minute as Worrall’s low cross was cruelly bundled in for an own goal by defender Jones.

Clarke changed to a four-at-the-back system at half-time and the Bluebirds simply couldn’t handle the more attacking, rampant hosts.

Vale added a third on the counter late on as substitute Benning capitalised with a rebound from his own stunning effort that struck the woodwork.

The Bluebirds had no answer as they completely succumbed to dominant Vale after the break.