In a tightly contested League One match, Rotherham United edged Port Vale 2-1 with a strong first-half performance. Rotherham capitalized early with a goal just before the 13-minute mark, showcasing their readiness and exploiting a lapse in Port Vale's defense. Their second goal, coming 16 minutes later, was a testament to their cohesive attacking strategy which left Port Vale scrambling to recalibrate their defensive positioning. This early lead proved crucial as it set the pace and extracted a degree of desperation in Port Vale's play.

Statistically, Rotherham's advantage was underscored by their greater number of corner kicks, totaling six compared to Port Vale's three. These opportunities stemmed from sustained pressure and shot attempts that forced the Vale into defensive clearances, highlighting Rotherham's dominance in the attacking third. While shots on target data isn't available, the corners indicate a proactive and relentless approach by Rotherham that kept their opponents on the back foot for significant periods.

In contrast, Port Vale's second-half goal at nearly the hour mark signaled a shift in momentum; however, it was mitigated by disciplinary issues. With one yellow card in the first half and critical yellow cards in the second, discipline became a defining facet of the match. These infractions disrupted their rhythm, with fouls obstructing potential buildups and weakening their strategic options. The immaturity in controlling emotional play, particularly during the second half, limited their ability to consolidate the comeback, allowing Rotherham to hold their lead.

Contributing equally to the fraught nature of the game were the red cards issued to both teams, underscoring the intense physicality and competitive spirit present throughout the match. These red cards resulted in a ten-men scenario for portions of the match, impacting the tactical flexibility of each side. Ultimately, it was the disciplined execution of Rotherham's game plan and their ability to seize early opportunities that clinched the victory, as Port Vale’s late resurgence fell short due to their earlier tactical lapses and disciplinary setbacks.

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