Four thoughts after the loss to Pompey – Cowley’s crass comments, a forward boost and a fitting tribute

Rob Fielding reflects on a disappointing home defeat to a powerful Portsmouth team which is tempered by a major fitness boost for the squad…

Rob Fielding writes…

Cowley’s crass comments

I have a lot of admiration for Danny Cowley. What he looks to have achieved this season at Pompey is no mean feat. His side sit top of the League and look to have a strong squad. Add in the pressure and expectation that comes with a big team and it’s an impressive achievement.  On Saturday, Portsmouth were the better side and no-one would have begrudged Cowley talking about the performance.

However, the local papers were instead leading with his criticism of an early incident in the game. Vale’s Ellis Harrison and Portsmouth’s Michael Morrison clashed heads which saw the latter leave with concussion. According to Cowley it was a “nasty reckless challenge.” I reckon that according to everyone else in the ground it was a simple clash of heads when both were trying to head a high ball.

It’s certainly an odd thing to focus on when his side had performed so well. Last week, one of Cowley’s players received a double fracture after a poor challenge from Bristol Rovers’ Glenn Whelan. I would understand some criticism if that had been the case on Saturday because the injured player’s very career would be in doubt. I think (and hope) Morrison will be absolutely fine after a couple of days rest so why the rant about this incident? Ellis Harrison didn’t escape the clash unscathed. He also went down – which is perhaps the clearest indication that this wasn’t nasty or reckless but merely a clash of heads in what is a physical game.

Forward boost for Valiants

Vale’s lack of forward options have been painfully apparent in recent games. The signing of West Ham loanee Mipo Odubeko offers potential but he’s surely most likely to be used as a bench option when there’s a need for raw pace. What’s needed from kick-off is a forward partner for the willing and hardworking Ellis Harrison. So, the news that James Wilson is set to return to full training this week is a huge boost to the club.

Vale still want to add another forward in the transfer window but even if they don’t succeed the return of Wilson gives them proven firepower, just so long as he can stay fit.

A division with a class gap?

It would be great if Port Vale were to challenge this season but first things first, the main priority is to ensure safety and then see what happens. With that in mind, perhaps the result of Saturday’s game is not too relevant in the grand scheme of things.

There looks to be a clear gap in quality in League One – at one end you have huge clubs like Derby County, Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday and visitors Pompey. Any points picked up against those teams will surely be a bonus. At the other end (and with all due respect) we have teams like Morecambe, Forest Green Rovers and Burton – teams Vale need to defeat in order to ensure they finish outside of the drop zone.

With that in mind, Saturday’s visit of struggling Cheltenham Town is of greater significance to Vale this season than the narrow loss to table topping Portsmouth.

And finally…

As some of you will know, my dad passed away at the start of this year so I’d like to thank the club for a moving memorial service remembering my dad and all the other much-loved Port Vale fans who passed away in the last twelve months.

The service was conducted with great dignity ahead of the game on Saturday. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one with a tear in my eye during the minute’s silence as the club paid tribute to those no longer with us. Thanks Port Vale FC!