Late salvo sees Port Vale comfortably through against Salisbury City

Port Vale scored three times in the final 12 minutes to see off non-league Salisbury City with a 4-1 FA Cup second-round victory at Vale Park tonight.

The Conference Premier outfit had pegged their League One opponents back to level terms after 64 minutes, but Tom Pope, Rob Taylor and Ben Williamson all netted late on to secure Vale passage to the next stage.

Defender Chris Robertson was an unlikely opening goalscorer, as he latched onto a deflected pass to fire the hosts ahead on 24 minutes, a lead that they held until Dan Fitchett's 64th-minute equaliser.

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Micky Adams's side failed to clear Elliott Frear's free kick and, after seeing his initial shot saved by Valiants goalkeeper Sam Johnson, Fitchett forced the ball home at the second attempt.

It appeared as though Salisbury may hang on to earn a replay, but Pope headed in a 78th-minute cross from Taylor, who soon gave Vale a 3-1 advantage when he beat City keeper Will Puddy at his near post.

Pope returned the favour to his teammate by passing for Taylor to power a shot inside the post from 15 yards, and there was still time for Williamson to complete the scoring with a low strike from close range.