Port Vale’s defensive frailties start to reappear
OVF editor Rob Fielding is concerned at Port Vale’s inability to keep a clean sheet in recent games.
Rob Fielding writes…
The defeat at Colchester marked an unhappy milestone for the Valiants. It’s now ten games since the side last kept a clean sheet. That was back in September during the 1-0 JPT win over Carlisle. Since then, Vale have conceded 14 goals.
It’s a worrying trend and the side’s inability to defend set-plays seems to be at the heart of it…
It’s a worrying trend and the side’s inability to defend set-plays seems to be at the heart of it.
Vale’s defence is undoubtedly better than last seasons – Jak Alnwick is doing well in goals, likewise Ben Purkiss at right-back while Carl Dickinson and Richard Duffy have revived their form this season.
Yes, even so, despite the improvements in personnel, Vale keep on conceding.
It’s a trend that needs nipping in the bud and a clean sheet against promotion chasing Burton will go a long way to addressing it.