Sierra Leone’s Curtis Davies was on the score sheet as Cheltenham had to come from behind twice to secure a 3-2 home win against relegation rivals Port Vale.

It was a three-straight win for the home side as Nathan Smith’s header and Curtis Davies’ own goal put Vale ahead, but Matt Taylor, Jack Shepherd and Will Ferry scored to secure the points for Cheltenham against his former club.

Despite a disappointing own goal, Davies was making his 24th appearance of the campaign. 

Vale threatened early on, with Ethan Chislett testing Luke Southwood twice before Smith headed in Conor Grant’s corner in the 25th minute to put the visitors ahead. 

Lewis Freestone almost levelled the score before Vale goalkeeper Connor Ripley blocked George Lloyd’s effort.

Taylor equalized after a free-kick routine involving Tom Pett, scoring his third goal in four appearances since joining the club. Liam Kinsella and Taylor then came close to giving Cheltenham the lead early in the second half.

However, Vale took the lead again when Southwood parried Chislett’s shot, and Davies turned the ball into his net under pressure from James Wilson in the 65th minute. But Cheltenham responded quickly, with Shepherd scoring a superb volley four minutes later.

Ferry then secured the win in the 73rd minute, jinking past several challenges in the box before applying a neat finish for his first Cheltenham goal.