Five thoughts after Vale’s win over Newport: classy Clark, strength on the bench and a striking contrast

Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after Vale’s win over Newport County with both wingbacks coming in for praise…

Rob Fielding writes…

A striking contrast upfront

It was no surprise that Vale kept faith with the partnership that did well at Doncaster but there were contracting fortunes for Antwoine Hackford and Lorent Tolaj. Hackford is still learning the game and frustrated by getting into excellent positions but lacking the killer instinct. That was apparent from the first minute when he robbed the keeper but failed to get a shot off on target. Perhaps Hackford is better suited to his earlier role – coming off the bench late on when his pace can trouble tiring defenders?

In contrast, Lorent Tolaj failed to score but impressed me with his all-round threat upfront. It was his good work on the right flank that led to Stockley’s equaliser and he generally did well. The Swiss striker has very little experience himself and it may be good for his development to play a few games in partnership with the vastly experienced Jayden Stockley. I do hope Vale do stick with Tolaj and give him a run of games upfront as I think the regular starts, especially alongside an experienced partner will benefit him.

Headley heads queue on left flank

Eyebrows were raised when the Valiants swooped for Jaheim Headley in January. Afterall, Vale were more than well stocked for left wingbacks (Jack Shorrock, Conor Grant, Kyle John and Sam Hart all being able to play there). However, the two matches Headley has played showed why the club added him. Understandably a bit rusty against Doncaster he still impressed with his quality delivery. On Saturday, he was probably Vale’s best player. Right now, he’s a clear first choice on the left. His set piece delivery was decent, his delivery from open play also good, he showed an eye for a goal and generally looked a class act.

Classy Clark makes cracking comeback

While Headley impressed on the left, comeback kid Mitch Clark was doing the same on the right. In a stark contrast to last season’s wingback woes, Vale are similarly well stocked on the right with Clark, Brandon Cover and Kyle John all options. However, a fit Clark is clearly the best of the bunch. Injuries have resulted in a frustrating third spell at Vale Park so let’s keep our fingers crossed that those issues are behind us. When fit, Clark offers energy, delivery and no little skill on the right flank.

Strength on the bench

Darren Moore has said earlier in the season that he feels the players on the bench can affect games for Vale this season and this match was a clear example of that. Jayden Stockley was a significant upgrade on rookie Antwoine Hackford and netted the equaliser but a word here too for the influence of Rakeem Harper.

In the first-half, Newport bossed the midfield with Jason Lowe struggling. Harper added physicality and the energy to cover vast areas of ground and that contributed a lot to Vale’s second-half turnaround. While the return of skipper Ben Garrity has been welcome, he’s been played further up since his return and that has meant the bulk of the midfield work has landed at the feet of the ever impressive Ryan Croasdale. However, he can’t do it all himself, so maybe Harper now has a chance to forge a partnership and share some of the workload.

Sang adds something different to the backline

It was a forgettable game for Sam Hart who looked well out of sorts in the back three. It looked to me that Darren Moore really wanted a left footed player in there to replace the injured Connor Hall but it wasn’t working. So, Tom Sang came in to play out of position on the left of a back three. Sang immediately looked more comfortable there and his skilful passing also impressed.

The Scouser is probably a victim of his own versatility and adaptivity in being picked in a number of positions this season, but the back three probably suits him best. Should Hall return from injury he looks sure to come back on the left, Nathan Smith is best suited to a central role and that leaves the right side. I thought Kyle John did well attacking but struggled with defensive duties and therefore Sang, with the added bonus of his passing skills, could be the one to benefit and slot in on the right alongside Smith and Hall.

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