Rob Fielding shares his views after Port Vale’s “smash and grab” three points at Meadow Lane last weekend…
Rob Fielding writes…
Ripley proves his worth
Ripley proves his worthThis website’s editorial has been critical of the Port Vale goalkeeper in recent weeks – and with some justification as the keeper has been prone to errors this season. In the preview for this game we even suggested that rival Ben Amos may come into contention to start. Well, it’s great to be proved wrong. Ripley put on an outstanding show on Saturday to show what a great shot stopper he can be. Undoubtedly one of the players of the match if not the player of the match, the Vale number one answered his critics, including this website, in some style. Let’s hope his good form continues.
Problems could be mounting on the left flank
Will Vale’s left wingback woes never end? At the start of last season, Vale started with one senior left-sided defender in injury prone Conor Grant and, to no great surprise, he spent a fair portion of the campaign on the sidelines. He’s also picked up a knock at the start of this season which means he has failed to feature so far.
Vale had seemingly strengthened that area of the team this season with the signings of Sam Hart and Kyle John. Then Hart picked up a knock that is ruling him out of action. John stepped up with some impressive displays but he limped out of the County game putting his participation in some doubt. It leaves Vale with just rookie – Jack Shorrock – a more than decent prospect but still just 17 years of age – as potentially the club’s only fit left wingback.
Curtis makes his case
Ronan Curtis was one of several eyebrow raising summer signings for the club. However, as Darren Moore chopped and changed his line-up he found himself out of the starting eleven in recent weeks. Curtis was recalled on Saturday and I thought he was excellent. His cross set up Vale’s winning goal and his awareness and vision added a real danger to Vale’s counter attacks.
The Irishman may find himself back in the team if he continues this sort of form especially as he adds balance on the left-hand side of a front three.
Debrah shows how he’s developed
Jesse Debrah has only just passed fifty League appearances and is just 23 years of age. The fact he is holding a place in the team ahead of more experienced performers such as Ben Heneghan and Nathan Smith speaks volumes for his development this season.
Signed last season when Vale were in League One, Debrah struggled at times during his debut campaign. It appeared to be a combination of lack of match fitness (Debrah had been injured and came from non-league) and high calibre opposition. With a full pre-season behind him and facing League Two opponents, Debrah has come on leaps and bounds. There are plenty of experienced operators in Darren Moore’s squad but Debrah has plenty of time on his side and clearly has the potential to get even better with regular League football. Let’s hope Saturday’s dominant display is only a taste of things to come.
What do you think of these thoughts? Share your own thoughts and post a comment at the bottom of this article.
Welcome these constructive comments. Rob always ‘hits the nail on the head’. Certainly a change from some of the ‘knee jerk’ reactions we hear. Keep up the great analysis
I think you are spot on Rob I think we really suffer from an injury jinx but these players hopefully will be back soon also can someone clarify what is happening with Nathan Smith never mentioned and nothing from the club on what is going on with him
It was good to see Ripley getting to his best, but obviously there have been a number of changes in front of him. Jesse seems to gradually be improving and I can see him being a mainstay for years to come in our back line. Let’s keep the faith and move out of this division first time.