“A game we would have lost last season” – the fans panel on Port Vale 0-0 Tranmere Rovers

It’s fair to say our three supporters were happy with the solid performance and think there may be more to come for the new-look Valiants.

Questions and Answers

A home draw – what did you think of the match?

Pete: A great atmosphere fuelled a front-foot start to the game with good movement from Chislett, Paton and Curtis in particular. We looked pretty solid at the back throughout with Hall and Heneghan superb. The mix-up with Ripley and what looked like a possible red card when their lad appeared to be fouled was fortunate for us. In the second-half Tranmere contained us and had they carried more threat up top may have nicked the game. The Tranmere keeper made a great save but a draw was probably the right result. This was a game we would have lost last season for sure. There was plenty of aggression and desire from Vale but we lacked the final cutting edge particularly in the second half. We have a lot of quality within the squad this time and should/will sharpen up going forward.

Dave: I thought it was a patchy Vale performance, their play having little pattern to it. Rovers controlled the middle of the park but they were weak up front. Vale, however, looked more menacing anywhere near the goal. I liked very much the look of Paton, though he was really feeding off scraps, chasing through balls.

My hope is that, when the team settles down and everyone is available, some of the failings on display will be ironed out. There was certainly plenty of passion to this performance and maybe, as the season pans out, this will seem a decent point against a well organised Rovers side yet to concede a goal in three matches.

On a positive note, the crowd of 8,102 was more than I expected, and clearly the Vale’s activity in the transfer market has impressed a lot of people.

Graham: It was a good atmosphere in the Railway even though the Vale had to settle for a point. I thought both defences were on top and it’s good to see that, the incident with Ripley aside, that the Vale defence looks much more solid. I was impressed with Sam Hart but I though Chislett was the best player in the first-half. In the second-half, Tranmere came more into it and it was then that our defence, with its second successive cleansheet came to the fore. A draw was probably a fair result in the end.

Which players stood out for you?

Pete: Hall and Heneghan were really solid and pose a threat at all set-pieces. Paton is a natural, hungry goalscorer and will bag plenty. Curtis is potentially our ‘main-man’ (I’ve not seen Byers yet). Chislett was superb also yesterday and my man of the match. Ben Garrity looked a little subdued yesterday, perhaps he was carrying a ‘knock’ from Salford? Croasdale is also worthy of mention, he worked hard to keep things going, real grafter.

A special shout out to Brad Walker, he was superb on all dead-balls and controlled things for Tranmere. His injury at Hartlepool in the 2022 run-in probably cost us automatic promotion. If fit this lad is a credit to any League One or League Two side. I’d take him for sure currently.

Dave: The back three were solid and it was good to see Connor Hall back in a Vale shirt. Hart and Sang did well on the flanks and Paton looked a very useful acquisition. I’m sure there’s more to come from this team in the coming months as they begin to gel.

Graham: As I said in the previous answer I think all the defence was solid while Chislett showed some lovely skill at time. I think once the likes of Chislett and Stockley get up to speed we could look even better. I’d also give a shout to Ryan Croasdale. He reminded me a little of Andy Porter, which is one of the highest compliments I can give, ferreting away, keeping things ticking, playing the sensible ball. He looks a quality addition.

How do you think Vale will do this season?

Pete: We must have the biggest budget squad in the division, Carol and Kevin have really pushed the boat out. If I’m honest the debacle of the second-half of last season is still in the back of my mind in regards to the manager and style of play etc. However, all seems positive and I/we must move on! We have bags of threat in attacking areas and look extremely solid all-over. With that in mind we ‘should’ be challenging at the top end of this league with promotion the aim. No guarantees but as time goes on, we will gel more and a fully fit squad leaves Darren Moore with plenty of options and decisions to make. There’s no excuses with this financial commitment. I’ve got really positive thoughts but we have bought in thirteen players and they may need some time to totally ‘click’?

Dave: I really do think it’s too early to suggest how the Vale will do this season. They are a relegated team who have strengthened well during the summer. The omens are good, but remember how well the first ten games went last season, after the 7-0 catastrophe in game one. I think we’ll have a good idea by the end of October. I’m hopeful!

Graham: It’s still early days. I think the time to judge will be ten games in when this side has had time to gel. However, two clean sheets probably shows that we are going to be difficult to beat this season.

Any other business

Pete: The Paddock Gents toilets are much better. However, lots of negativity around ‘Loyalty’ points, season tickets, memberships and ticketing/ retail errors need sorting. I have had issues in regards to this which meant we missed Salford. Communication was poor too. But in all fairness, the issues have now been resolved for my wife and I. Thank you to Josh for this. Everyone connected at Port Vale means well and it is hoped as we go forward we can all share a positive match day experience on and off the pitch. I enjoyed yesterday. I still miss the ‘Bill Bell’ clock above the tunnel. I would love to see it back in pride of place! Can we also have some thoughts as to raise the final £3K towards the completion of the Sir John Rudge statue? This should be easily attainable versus Doncaster (that is unless we have now raised the total required)?

Dave: Clearly the owners have learned from under-investing last season, costing the club their League One status. They should be congratulated on putting that right and giving Moore the players he wanted. The ground was looking good, as was the pitch. I’d love to see the other half of Lorne Street brought into use. Perhaps a windfall from Ndala at Man City could be applied there? There’s so many positives at the Club currently, it really would be great to get it right on the pitch.

Having moved back from France two weeks ago, to North Wales, the drive across took longer than expected. I got in the ground at 2.55, and heard a number of fans grumbling in the queue to enter the Railway Stand. Not sure what people expect if they stroll up to Vale Park ten minutes before kick-off!

Graham: Despite the good atmosphere there were still plenty of grumblings from those around me about things like queues, catering and so on. I know the club is trying to get these things right but it would be good to go to an opening home match of the season where fans haven’t been frustrated when they’ve just come to support their team. To end on a positive though – I love the murals, if that’s the right word, that have been put in place around the back of the Railway.

Agree or disagree? Post a comment below.