Port Vale fans panel on the Wigan game – “you may as well go for it rather than sit back and lose…”

The questions

What do you think went wrong for the Valiants during the game against Northampton Town?

Pete: I didn’t travel but listened to the game. It seems that we reverted to ‘type’, offering very little threat in the final third. I’m not sure that Chislett is being utilised as he should be ‘attacking’ wise. We are not a great side let’s be honest, huffing and puffing is just that. We need to score first as I can’t see us recovering once we go a goal down, sadly.

Steve: I suppose should the Great Escape happen it’s never going to be a straight line. Is Northampton a blip or a reality check? Perhaps Wigan might point us in the right direction. As regards the game itself I didn’t go but the fans’ player scores tell the story, not enough 7/8s and too many 5s. The late second goal I discount as you may as well go for it rather than sit back and lose 1-0.

Brian: We didn’t take our chances. If we put those first-half chances (or even Uche’s in the second-half) then we have a chance of a point or even more. However, with the squad we’ve got, it’s difficult to see what could have been done that differently. One bone of contention for me was the half-time withdrawal of Chislett, one of our more creative players for the off-song Weir. I didn’t get that switch at all.

What does Darren Moore have to change for the Wigan game?

Pete: For the Wigan game we must take the game to them from the off and try to get the first goal. We don’t have much to change in all honesty, perhaps starting  both Uche and Loft? But he won’t, he’ll go Dipeppa. We need Chislett to cause more threat. Can we get Plant in a more attacking position? Do we play Massey and hope he has a decent game?

Steve: Was it the wrong side or, in my opinion, a below par performance by the majority of the team? I’m not sure if we can field a stronger side. Perhaps it was asking too much of Dipepa to start and maybe he is better coming on for the last thirty minutes as an impact player?

Brian: I’m not sure there’s much Darren Moore can do other than to push his players to give it everything. However, there are key positions where I’m sure he’d love to have options. One is upfront where Wilson is out, Ikpeazu only fit enough for half an hour or so, so he’s forced to soldier on with rookie Baylee Dipepa. To Dipepa’s credit, he’s not looked out of place but I’m sure Moore would love to have an experienced and fit option to bring on.

What do you think the score for the Wigan game will be?

Pete: If we score first we win 1-0. If we concede first then we lose 2-0.

Steve: Wigan is another must win game. That doesn’t mean we will win but surely now we have to go for it. Go down fighting – a 1-0 Vale win.

Brian: Well, obviously I’d love to see the Vale win but I have a feeling we may have to settle for a draw.

Any other business?

Pete: Do the club actually respond to any feedback they receive? I have sent three feedback reviews of late with no response (they were negative and rightly so in respect of the Paddock portaloos and queuing in the club shop due to people wanting tickets on the day, etc. They are losing lost customers as merchandise cannot be accessed nor purchased. It all appears a bit ‘quiet’ following the Flitcroft exit, are we just limping through to season end off the pitch? I’d be interesting to hear fans’ thoughts in regards to Darren Moore? I think the outcome would be mixed.

Steve: Perhaps the club could do a deal for the remaining home games, £10 a ticket to get the fans in and create an intimidating atmosphere.

Brian: It would be interesting to know if the club are going to persist with the director of football model after Flitcroft’s departure or whether there’s been a change in the structure of the football side of the club.