Four thoughts after Vale’s win over Scunthorpe United – James Wilson shows his class
Rob Fielding says it was great to see strike James Wilson’s quality shine against Scunthorpe United.
Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.
Wilson shows his class despite fans’ impatience to go from zero to a hundred
I think some of the comments about James Wilson in recent games were pretty harsh, especially some mentioning whether he could be “bothered”. Wilson had been pretty anonymous and off the pace in the last few games but this is a player who has suffered a broken bone and he was bound to take some time to adjust to League Two football after his time out. I do think some fans need to be more forgiving when a player has been out for a period of time. The reason, is as Wilson showed on Saturday, it often takes a few games to get back to the required level.
Against Scunthorpe, I felt there were flashes of real quality from the Port Vale forward, one cut in and drift past several defenders was memorable as were his crisp passing and drifting in from the flanks. It was great to see him back to something approaching his best, I just hope supporters are patient when other members of Vale’s injury list also return and allow them a few games to find their form.
Newcomers show glimpses of promise
Tomas Holy apart, it was tricky to judge Vale’s new arrivals considering their lack of minutes on the pitch. The giant goalkeeper didn’t look to do much wrong apart from a miskick which thankfully came to nothing. He otherwise looked pretty solid and now looks to be in pole position to be the number one between now and the end of the season. However, should anything happen, Vale are certainly not short of options between the sticks.
As for the other players, Harry Charsley looked lively and, to his credit, Joel Cooper also caught the eye even though he was only on the pitch for a couple of minutes. The loan forwards also had their moments. Kian Harratt, who does look like he has goals in him, was desperately unlucky with a clever turn which struck the post. Ryan Edmondson looks less of a goal threat but has some engine on him as he chased and harried during his time on the pitch. My only concern would be the lack of experience both have which is why the successful return of Jamie Proctor from injury is, to me, vital to Vale’s chances of challenging again in the later stages of the season.
“The table won’t reflect it was a dour game…”
Yes, it wasn’t particularly a game to remember and the quality didn’t shine through but when it comes to the League Two table who cares. It’s three points and the table won’t reflect it was a dour game. To be fair to the Valiants these were tricky conditions and this was a much changed side with many newcomers within the squad. It may take a little time for things to gel.
In many ways this is the business end of the season with a relentless schedule of games. Results may need to be churned out like this one and I’m sure Vale fans won’t worry too much if we grind out three 1-0 wins rather than three games where we look like the Brazil side of the 1970s. Yes, it will be nice to win with style but surely that’s an optional extra and what’s most important right now is picking up the points, not necessarily the performances.
A word for the quietly consistent
It’s not often that the likes of Nathan Smith steal the headlines but the defender richly deserves his spell in the spotlight this weekend. Now approaching three hundred games for the club, Smith has been a consistent presence at the back despite the near constant change of personnel and formation around him. Surely it’s testament to his quality that while the likes of Cass, Martin and Jones have been rotated, Smith has been a near ever-present in the defence.
I have a sneaky feeling that the same thing may happen with newcomer Connor Hall. Yes, it’s only four games into his career but he strikes me as having the same unassuming but reliable style of play to Smith. With one player being right footed and the other left footed, both would seem to be favourites to start at the back regardless of what formation Darrell Clarke selects.
Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts and post a comment at the end of the article.