Five thoughts after Port Vale’s draw with Wigan – overall, lots of positives

Rob Fielding thinks there were lots more positives than negatives to take out of the team’s 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic at the weekend. Here are his thoughts…

Rob Fielding writes…

---

How important will this point prove to be?

It’s now seven points from twelve available as the Valiants inch themselves out of the relegation zone. This point seems invaluable for a number of reasons – firstly and obviously it lifts Vale above Burton, but it also builds confidence (think what a second defeat in a row would have done for the confidence of the players) and more specifically it builds the defence’s confidence as they record their third clean sheet in four games. It may not have been that pretty, it may not have been that high in quality but the point could be priceless at the end of the season.

---

Not taking the chances again

Like a scratched record, we can’t really produce one of these features without mentioning Vale’s inability to find a cutting edge. I thought Ryan Loft and Gavin Massey put in a commendable amount of effort. Loft also showed the ability to produce a deft through ball – but sadly the duo aren’t there to provide those things. Massey worked hard but missed two chance – one a one-on-one and the other a header – to put Vale ahead. Uche Ikpeazu still looks a way off full fitness but at least Baylee Dipepa looked sharper when he came on only to be denied by a wonderful save. I still fear that this inability to make chances count could hurt Vale in the run-in.

---

Is it worth the risk?

One element of Darren Moore’s squad selection surprised me. With Tom Sang playing in an unfamiliar back three role, there were only two recognised central defenders in Nathan Smith and Alex Iacovitti in the squad. If either of them needed to be replaced there was no recognised central defender on the bench. It would mean if Smith or Iacovitti left the field, then Vale’s back three would have two players playing out of position. With seven subs allowed I do wonder if it would make sense to give one of those places to the likes of Kasper Lopata or Ben Lomax so cover is available?

---

An important game in hand

Normally when you have a game in hand over your rivals you can view it as a free hit, a chance to either gain nothing or something. It won’t be the case on Wednesday. As Vale are only ahead of Burton by a single goal on goal difference, any loss by more than one goal to Peterborough on Wednesday would send them back into the relegation zone. It means Vale could really do with at least a draw. Let’s hope Posh’s eyes are elsewhere – they will have just competed in the Football League Trophy final for one thing.

---

Overall, lots of positives

After criticising the lack of a cutting edge, the substitute choices and worrying about the game in hand, I don’t want to end this on a negative note so let’s put some positives down shall we? Vale are out of the relegation zone. I thought it was strong team performance especially by some players who have received criticism – notably Gavin Massey, Ryan Loft and Alex Iacovitti battled away. It was another clean sheet. The team seems to be more united in recent weeks than previously. There is now a chance of escaping relegation when weeks ago that seemed highly unlikely. All credit to the manager, coaching staff and players for providing the possibility of League One football next season.

---