“Need to put on a better performance” – four thoughts after Port Vale’s loss to Portsmouth

Rob Fielding says the performance against Pompey may have been dire but there’s a more important match coming at the weekend and the team’s performance must improve for that one.

Rob Fielding writes…

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Most important game coming next

While the game against Portsmouth was essentially a “free hit” as Vale were very much second-favourites to win, it was the level of their performance that riled. It was reminiscent of the Middlesbrough cup game in that Vale were underdogs but didn’t really test their more highly regarded opponents. It was the perceived lack of effort that upset many.

It was disappointing not to see Vale at least try to upset the odds but arguably a far more important test is coming up next. Fleetwood sit bottom of the table, without a win in fourteen games. It is imperative that the Valiants get something from the game, ideally a win. To do that, they will clearly need to put on a better performance than they did on Saturday.

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Vale lightweight and inexperienced in key areas

There was plenty of focus on the Vale midfield on Saturday – and rightly so. The loss of loanees Alfie Devine and Ollie Arblaster were keenly felt – and replacements Dan Gore and Jenson Weir may need a little time to adapt. The problem is – a thinly stretched central midfield could make it a sharp learning curve for the pair.

Vale are missing Ben Garrity and James Plant while the absence of Funso Ojo is a huge loss. His experience has been badly missed. Vale don’t really have much opportunity to switch it around for Fleetwood. Tom Sang could come in by dint of his extra experience, but there really aren’t too many other options other than that.

It could be a similar story upfront if Uche Ikpeazu is ruled out. Ryan Loft is not filling anyone with confidence right now but he could be one of two experienced strikers available for the club, so Vale may have to start him regardless.

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No excuse for idiotic intervention

I thought the referee was awful on Saturday. However, regardless of how badly he was performing there’s no excuse for someone to run on to presumably try and physically assault him. I hope that individual is never seen at Vale Park again.

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Reinforcements still needed

The unfortunate injury to Uche Ikpeazu could have far reaching repercussions. Ikpeazu has looked a good partner for James Wilson and it’s the subject of some doubt if Ryan Loft can do the same. Furthermore, Loft and Wilson could be the club’s only fit senior strikers, a worrying thought given Wilson’s injury history.

In the recent fans forum, director of football David Flitcroft suggested the club would only sign loan players in the window and the indications were two additions – a forward and a left wingback.

Ikpeazu’s injury may cause that to be revised. There’s no point in adding two loan forwards as firstly Vale arguably need more experience than a callow loanee and secondly the club can only field five in the matchday squad. It means Vale may have to look for a permanent addition upfront as well. The club clearly think that prices are too high in the window but paying over the odds needs to be balanced against staying in League One.

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