Four thoughts after Port Vale’s FLT win over Wolves B

Goals all around the team… Rob Fielding shares some thoughts after the FLT win over Wolves.

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Well worth the money

In those troubling, fan-free times I’d imagine the prize money for this win was welcomed with open arms by the club. After Vale’s failure in the FA Cup (and the subsequent lost of money from failing to have a cup run) the Football League Trophy has gained added financial importance. After banking £30,000 in the group stages, the £15,000 for this win means Vale have netted a more than handy £45,000 so far. Perhaps it’s understandable as League teams are well used to playing Trophy games in front of near empty stadiums.

The central forward assistant

For the second game in a row, another Port Vale central forward did a great job, yet neither of them made the scoresheet. It was arguably Devante Rodney’s most complete game in a central role on Saturday. He won a penalty and produced a fantastic pass to set up Cristian Montano. On Tuesday night it was Tom Pope’s turn. The big man didn’t score but he bagged two assists on the night to set up scorers Harry McKirdy and Zak Mills. Perhaps Vale don’t need goals from the central man if they continue to set up others in the team?

Goals throughout the team

To continue the last point, this was another match where Vale scored goals from areas other than the central forward. The stats make for interesting reading this season. Five goals from the centre-halves. Three goals from right-back. Four from central midfield. Nine from wide attackers. And just twelve from the central attacking berth. But then again, as we’ve just said, if the goals are coming from all around the team, who cares how many the centre-forward gets!

Wide man stake their claim

The Vale could face some real competition in the wide areas in the coming weeks. Cristian Montano and David Worrall both scored and were a constant thread on Saturday. However, replacements Alex Hurst and Harry McKirdy also caught the eye on Tuesday. They are contrasting characters. Hurst is hard working, a traditional winger who is energetic and tidy going forward. McKirdy is more interesting. A will-o-the-wisp figure who can cut inside and create a chance out of nothing. Both Hurst and McKirdy played well and looked in good form.

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