Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt has apologised to the fans who missed the start of the FA Youth Cup defeat to Chelsea due to turnstile queueing.A crowd of 3,620 turned up for the clash and the turnstiles were overwhelmed meaning that some supporters missed the opening half-hour of the game.

The Valiants' youngsters eventually lost 5-2 to the Londoners and Bratt admitted "it was not good enough" that many supporters were forced to miss the game because they could not get in.

"First of all, I don't think the club expected that many people. Then, three turnstile men didn't turn up for duty, so we were short of bodies," Bratt told the Sentinel.

"But as club chairman I would like to apologise to supporters. It's not good enough and we will have to do better in the future.

"A lot of people turned up at 7pm and, with the best will in the world, it's difficult to get them in. But it's our responsibility and I can only apologise to the supporters for having to wait, and to those who didn't get in."

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