We weren’t quite at it – Andy Crosby on Port Vale’s loss to Bristol Rovers

Port Vale interim manager Andy Crosby says the team didn’t create enough clear-cut chances against Bristol Rovers.

The Valiants lost 3-1 in front of their biggest attendance of the season but Crosby was full of praise for the side’s recent run and says promotion is still within their reach.

We have been on a fantastic run of form – performances, collecting points and doing really well – and I just thought today collectively we weren’t quite at it…

He told the media: “We have been on a fantastic run of form – performances, collecting points and doing really well – and I just thought today collectively we weren’t quite at it and they took advantage of the moments when they happened for them and were clinical with their chances. We didn’t create enough clear-cut chances.

“But we have played 43 games, we have three to go, the position is third, we can collect nine more points and that is what we will be looking to try to do. If we do that then job done.”

Crosby also noted Vale’s injury problems which saw Jake Taylor start his first game in months with Taylor replaced by defender Dan Jones playing in central midfield. Crosby said: “That is what we have available. Massive credit to everyone. Jake has not started a game for months and he came on the other day and was fantastic. The pace of the game in the first half was through the roof, so there was little time to have many touches. But I am not singling Jake out, all three boys in the middle had a right go.

“I had to take Jake off after an hour to protect him as well. That is where we currently are. Brad (Walker) did his hamstring at Hartlepool. We will get that scanned and see where that is. I spoke to Jonesy knowing Brad wasn’t going to be available, and thinking can he play in there? We have asked players to play in positions over the last few weeks where you wouldn’t say it is their strongest but they have gone and given everything, as they have done today.”