The game was played behind closed doors, there were no team sheets and both sides included trialists which all added to the unusual nature of the game.

That didn’t affect Vale who were rampant in the first half as they stormed into a 4-0 lead by half time.

Former Tamworth striker, Oli Lynch played for the hosts along with ex Premier League man, Onel Hernandez who picked up two assists and a goal in that first half blitz while the Valiants striker, Mo Faal bagged himself a brace.

The second half was a much more even affair after both teams changed the majority of their starting 11s.

Kieren Donnelly and Jake Hutchinson combined nicely up front and pressed expertly but were unable to reduce the deficit.

And the second half hydration break proved costly for The Lambs as Vale added to their lead shortly after the re-start to make the full time score 5-0.

First half XI: Trialist, Handley, Cullinane-Liburd, Rye, Bailey, Kurtaran, Dyson, McGlinchey, Roberts, Trialist, Creaney

The home side went ahead after just 10 minutes when a lovely weighted pass released the Onel Hernandez who quickly squared the ball to tee up a tap in for Faal.

A wonderful save from a Tamworth trialist prevented the striker grabbing second while last ditch defending from Jordan Cullinane-Liburd also prevented a goal-scoring opportunity.

Onel Hernandez, who set up the first goal, then decided to go it alone and curled home a second for the hosts from 15 yards.

On the half hour Tamworth almost hit back. Teo Kurtaran’s free kick found Dan Creaney resulting in a shot for Tom Handley which was saved.

Vale responded immediately with Hernandez again playing a key role, cutting the ball back for the Valiants ‘number six, Jordan Gabriel who converted from 12 yards.

In the 41st minute Tom McGlinchey went close with our best chance of the half, firing just wide from the edge of the box but moments later striker, Faal grabbed his second to make it 4-0.

Half Time 4-0

Second half XI: Trialist (Rachel-60’), Lyttle, Fogarty, Hollis, Fairlamb, Milnes, Acquaye, TJ Bramble, Roberts, Donnelly, Hutchinson

Tamworth started the second half in brighter fashion with brilliant pressing from Donnelly and Hutchinson earning a free kick - Tyler Lyttle’s effort was cleared for a corner.

Hutchinson’s edge of the box attempt was saved while Morgan Roberts saw a long range effort go just over the bar and then a low cross deflected agonisingly wide.

Vale responded with a strike from the left hand side of the box which flashed across Dan Rachel into the bottom, far corner to make it 5-0.

The Lambs again tried to respond and Donnelly broke through on goal but unfortunately a heavy touch saw the ball end up with the home ‘keeper.

Four minutes from time more hard work from Donnelly saw the ball break into his path and his inch perfect cross found Hutchinson in the middle but he couldn’t redirect the ball on target.

That summed up a frustrating afternoon for the manager and players who will all be hoping for a better showing on Saturday against Stoke City Under 21s.