Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke said the team’s performance was “disappointing” as ten man Port Vale lost to Northampton on the opening day of the new season.
Vale also saw goalkeeper Lucas Covolan sent-off in the second-half as they lost 1-0 at Sixfields.
I thought the goal changed it slightly because I thought we were in the ascendancy, having a lot of territory and a lot of the ball.
Speaking to the media after the game, Clarke said: “I thought it was a disappointing performance, as I said to my players, ‘first game or no first game, we are a lot better than that’.
“I thought the goal changed it slightly because I thought we were in the ascendancy, having a lot of territory and a lot of the ball.
“We have to score that first goal in that first 20 minutes. We don’t, and then we don’t defend a long throw in our box. So, disappointing from our aspect, and then I expect better quality in my players at times.”
On the sending-off of goalkeeper Lucas Covolan Clarke added: “It’s a bad decision, isn’t it? He has read it well, and then he just has to deal with the ball.
“There is an argument whether the lad has come through him to win the ball. But for me, he just (has to) take that away, kick it into the stand, great starting position and then we aren’t talking about it.
“But then it obviously it makes it very difficult with ten men.”
Darrell’s photo on you tube makes him loo like Norman Wisdom hope his management does not