It wasn’t a great game – Port Vale manager on draw with Mansfield Town
Port Vale manager John Askey admitted that his side “struggled” during their 2-2 home draw with Mansfield Town.
The injury-hit Valiants left it late to secure a point thanks to a late equaliser from defender Nathan Smith.
I am trying not to make excuses because I think you can see the players are giving all they have got. It is just we weren’t as sharp as we have been previously…
Askey told the media: “It wasn’t a great game. We struggled early on. We went with two up front but once we changed it and pushed Luke Joyce and Jake Taylor on we looked a bit better. Towards the end of the first half we played some decent stuff and we scored a really good goal.”
“We had a tough game against Plymouth here in hot conditions. Exeter was tough, not only the game but the journey and you could see one or two were a little bit leggy today.
“I am trying not to make excuses because I think you can see the players are giving all they have got. It is just we weren’t as sharp as we have been previously.
“With five minutes to go I was pleased we managed to get a point.
“Scoring at the end like that will give them confidence, knowing they never give up. That probably wasn’t happening previously.”