Four thoughts after Port Vale’s win over Sutton – Benning hits his best form?
Rob Fielding shares his views after the home victory over Sutton United and he thinks left wingback Mal Benning played a key part in the win.
Rob Fielding writes…
Crowd played their part
Prior to the game, interim manager Andy Crosby appealed to the fans to back the side and they responded in some style on Saturday. There was a raucous atmosphere in the Railway stand and the response to THAT goal from Jamie Proctor was deafening. It’s now a slog to the finish line and not all games will be as comfortable for the Valiants so having thousands of fans roaring their support can surely only help the side. So, going back to a phrase I last used during the 2013 promotion campaign, I think the time for moaning is over. The players need our support whether they are having a good game or not so it’s time to “bin the boos and back the boys” as they aim for promotion.
Coaching staff deserve the highest praise
Talking of the “p” word, what a job Andy Crosby and his coaching staff have done this year in incredibly difficult circumstances. Crosby has stepped up to the plate, delivered on the pitch and shown himself to be a leader and a dignified figure off it. Everyone will understand Darrell Clarke’s need to step away and Crosby and co have paid tribute to the absent gaffer in the best possible way – by keeping the unit together and unified and delivering on the pitch.
Fingers crossed that the two J’s stay fit up-top
As a grueling season reaches a climax, Vale’s injuries have started to mount up. It’s now central midfield which looks stretched with Tom Pett exiting early on Saturday and Tom Conlon and Jake Taylor already out. However, while Vale still have the likes of Garrity, Charsley and Walker to draw upon in midfield it’s arguably upfront where they need to hope their key players remain fit. James Wilson was quiet on Saturday but still remains a class act wheras strike partner Jamie Proctor put on a superb display against Sutton. Wondergoal aside, his hold-up play, strength and incisive passing was a joy to watch. If Vale are to threaten the top places, it’s vital that the two J’s – James Wilson and Jamie Proctor stay fit.
Benning’s best game?
There have been some really good performances in recent games – Wilson’s class, Connor Hall’s excellence at the back, Nathan Smith’s consistency, Ben Garrity’s lung-busting energy but I felt on Saturday that Mal Benning showed Vale fans what he could do. It’s been a stop-start season for Benning but against Sutton he was excellent. At times he had his opposing full-back completely beaten while he also provided the assists for both Vale’s goals. Chris Hussey is clearly also a class act and with Dan Jones and James Gibbons both set to return, Vale could soon be spoilt for choice and have multiple options on the left. However, right now Benning is the man with the shirt and he richly deserves it.
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