Five thoughts after Port Vale’s win over Liverpool B
Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after Port Vale’s comfortable win over a Liverpool B side on Tuesday evening…
Top image: Port Vale’s Alex Hurst in action in a 2019 summer friendly
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McKirdy takes his chance
Probably the first thought after the win over Liverpool B for many fans would be – I hope Harry McKirdy’s knock isn’t serious. The forward looked full of invention, energy and was a goal threat throughout the match. After Vale’s lack of invention and penetration in the final third on Saturday, McKirdy did his chances of pushing into the starting eleven no harm – providing he’s fit enough to play…
Hurst shows his promise
Probably the most outstanding performances after that of McKirdy came from Mark Cullen and Alex Hurst. Cullen was unlucky not to score more than once but his pedigree is well known. However, Hurst showed why the Vale management have high hopes for him with a bustling, pacy performance capped by his first senior goal for the club. He looks a decent prospect for the future.
A shaky defensive display
Liam Miller caused the Vale defence all sorts of problems on Tuesday evening. It was another bad night at the office for a section of the team that in the early stages of the season didn’t look like conceding. Perhaps it was the multiple changes at the back or perhaps confidence had taken a blow after Saturday’s cup exit but on this showing Vale need to sharpen up at the back.
Goals galore in an entertaining evening
Fans who paid £10 for this game via iFollow certainly got their money’s worth (providing the blinking thing worked for them). There were six goals and there could have been more if the luckless Mark Cullen hadn’t hit the woodwork and forced a fine save from the keeper. This competition may be much maligned but it provided some much needed cheer after Vale’s disappointing FA Cup exit. If only (like our photo) fans had been present in the stadium to witness the action in person…
Can this unsung trophy generate much needed cup revenue?
The Football League Trophy is now the only cup competition the Vale remain in. It’s a useful revenue generator – bringing in £10,000 per win in the group stages. The Valiants will no doubt be hoping for a favourable draw in the knockout stages as the further they progress in the competition the more vital revenue is generated. It may be a hated competition but let’s hope this season it brings a lengthy cup run for the Vale.