Optimism is growing among our fan panel as they reflect on a comfortable home win over Swindon and look forward to Tuesday’s visit by Colchester. Here are their views…
In this fans panel we selected two Vale fans to discuss the latest game. If you want to be considered for the fans panel please contact us
This week’s panel
- Paul from Bradwell, a Port Vale fan since 1980
- Steve from Clayton, a Port Vale fan since the early 80’s
Questions and Answers
What did you think of the starting XI? Were you surprised?
Paul: I was surprised at the starting 11, especially Hackford starting. But after last weeks showing and two games in quick succession coming up, changes were bound to happen.
Steve: I think we were all expecting changes from the Accrington game and no real complaints with the starting XI. I was however expecting Jesse to start at the back as Swindon’s attacking strength seemed to be based on speed rather than height.
It turned out well in the end although Vale created loads of chances without scoring in the first-half. A good sign or worrying inability to capitalise?
Paul: If we are having twenty shots in games you expect more than two goals but I’m not concerned at all. It was a comfortable afternoon all in all.
Steve: A good first half with Vale totally dominant and in control of the game. Having said that 0-0 at half time was a concern as, despite our dominance, Swindon had flashes of play that could have given them an undeserved lead. With our firepower I always thought a goal was coming, a matter of when rather than if.
Which players impressed you on the day?
Paul: Cover and John were superb. Kyle John might just be the find of the season. I can’t believe Everton never gave him a chance! He reminds me very much of a young Seamus Coleman. He needs to be sat down this week, if it hasn’t happened already, and tie him down to another two years on top of the one he’s got. I can’t see Cover being here all season. He’s way too good for league Two. If there’s any way we can get him signed up in the future then it would be a superb bit of business. He’s got unlimited potential. As for George Byers, it’s like watching a modern day Ray Walker. Ridiculous talent at this level.
Steve: I thought John is starting to look a real player and Covers composure to chip the ball over their goalie was impressive. I thought it was an all around good team performance with Stockley making a massive difference up top and he just seems to get better and better.
Glass half-full or half empty? A solid home win to continue the run or a 2-1 with an anxious ending against a struggling side?
Paul: My glass is half full and I must say a huge apology to Darren Moore. After the Barrow and Doncaster debacles, which came after being bored to death against Tranmere and Salford, a wake up call was needed and Moore changed it a bit and suddenly we are on the front foot in games, which is what we all wanted with the talent we have. Us football fans are fickle but Moore has made me eat humble pie in recent weeks and long may it continue.
Steve: I don’t think we have fully hit our stride yet but confidence and the expectation to win games is growing in the side. We also looked like we had a game plan although I wish we would move the ball quicker sometimes. A nervy few minutes after their late goal but that’s probably just me scarred by previous Vale teams’ ability to self destruct at the end of games. Interesting contrast between the fans at the end of the game, Vale players leaving to well deserved applause whilst Swindon players were being berated by their fans in a very toxic atmosphere. A sign that DM is starting to come good and deliver?
Any other thoughts on the game?
Paul: As for the game, let’s not get overly carried away. They were dreadful and I dare say that their manager won’t be there long. They were as bad a side I’ve seen in many years. I fully expect them to be in a relegation dog fight on that showing and I think it’s something like seven wins in 48 for them over two seasons. We have been there so I know what their supporters are going through but let’s face it, there’s no love lost with us and Swindon so I won’t be wishing them out of their predicament anytime soon!
Steve: The strength of our bench was impressive with most of them probably guaranteed starters in other teams in our division. That strength I hope will give us a big advantage come Jan/ Feb when all teams start accumulating injuries and bans. I’m still not sure DM knows his best team yet. I don’t. I’m not even sure if such a thing exists or is it a case of ‘Horses for Courses’.
Your team and score for Tuesday?
Paul: I think we will see Debrah come in for Sang on Tuesday. Tolaj may also drop out for Chislett and I’m certain Hackford will miss out and I’d expect Paton to start with Stockley. If we carry on playing like we have in our last two home games it should be another three points. And if we keep getting around 20 shots on goal, we’ll destroy teams as the season goes on.
I will go for an optimistic 5-1 win and a hat trick from either Stockley or Paton.
Steve: I fully expect squad rotation to be employed. Starts perhaps for Chizzy, Paton and Croasdale? Whilst we have no right to win games surely we should be expecting nothing but a win on Tuesday night?
Agree or disagree? Post a comment below.
The only worry about Tuesday is our inability to win in the lge on a Tuesday correct me if I am wrong but is it about 2yrs since we won one but saying that last couple of years we have been bad and we have a good squad now
The comments so far are very fair and very honest. Play Chislett from the start and Garrity just behind the front two. Manager I am still not sure about, let’s see where we are after another 4 or 5 games.
Vale curtesy of the Dipepa money, have spent more than the rest of the clubs in our league put together, so nothing short of promotion would be a catastrophe. With this in mind people should not think Mr Moore has all of a sudden turned into this brilliant tactician. You would think almost every other manager in this division worth his salt would be capable of gaining promotion with the squad the Vale have put together. Sang is getting a lot of stick from fans but in all fairness to the lad, he is not a fullback and is being played in that position to basically overlap and whip crosses into the box for Stockley, which he does do. They aren’t always on the money but as his corner for Byers goal showed when they are he’s one of the best crossers in our team. No excuse for the free kick he gave away for their goal other than he’s not a defender and may have panicked. Vale are so susceptible to pace which even a very poor team like Swindon were able to capitalise on and that does need resolving. Stockley is a game changer and will certainly be in with a shout of player of the season,