Five thoughts after the Bath friendly – midfield creativity lacking, green jersey up for grabs?

Having had the chance to attend a rare South West based friendly, Rob Fielding shares some thoughts on the friendly defeat…

Rob Fielding writes…

Midfield creativity missing

It was a disappointing result against Bath at the weekend. It seems that despite the wholesale changes in the summer, some of the issues from last season remain. I was concerned by too much passing around at the back (often leading to the ball going back to Ripley to punt up the channels). This may have been due to a lack of creativity in the midfield area. After all, despite Ben Garrity’s boundless energy, the first-half pairing of Garrity and Lowe is hardly chock full of incisive passing and neither was the later pairing of Ryan Croasdale and Funso Ojo. However, arguably this concern could be a moot point. George Byers missed this game, as did Ethan Chislett (pictured), and either of those pair could provide Vale with the spark the midfield pairings at Bath were lacking.

Green jersey up for grabs?

I must admit, I thought that the signing of Ben Amos would be as cover for what I thought was an undisputed number one in Connor Ripley. Now, I am not so sure – perhaps, rather than cover, Amos has been brought in as competition? I thought Ripley had a decent season – although, like a lot of his teammates his form did dip at the end. However, it’s noticeable that Moore has been alternating keepers and giving each a 90 minute game to show their skills. In Saturday’s it is fair to say Ripley didn’t help his case. Some have excused the early goal as a “slip” but should the keeper have been haring so far out of his goal anyhow? Furthermore his kicking was one dimensional, especially seemingly targeting the diminutive figures of Mitch Clark and the trialist in the first-half. On this performance, it’s far from certain that Ripley will begin the new season – I think the green shirt is still up for grabs.

Defensive vulnerabilities remain

And while we’re on the subject of that Bath goal, let’s not forget it came from a quick break from the home side. Throughout this game Vale’s defence looked vulnerable to the quick counter-attack from their National League South opponents. If Bath can do it, then the threat from League Two sides could be even more acute. Vale’s back-line was missing stalwart Nathan Smith but even if Smith had featured there would still have been a lack of pace at the back. After the departure of Alex Iacovitti, there’s perhaps a vacancy for another defender – and on this evidence perhaps one with some pace may be an advantage?

Tolaj tenacity impresses

If you were to ask me now which forward pairing I would pick if I were Vale manager, I would go with Jayden Stockly and Lorent Tolaj. Stockley is a proven player and looked the part. He was imposing and a handful. Arguably he should have scored with one effort but it was also his all-round game – aerially and linking up play which I liked. I can see why Darren Moore would want him upfront. As for his partner – it’s easy to forget Bayle Dipepa is still learning his trade while Ruari Paton is new to the squad. However, Lorent Tolaj impressed me. It’s perhaps too early to say this but he reminded me a bit of legendary non-league find Andy Jones. It was the physique, the ability to plough through challenges and his determination. It’s only on the evidence of an hour’s play but I think Tolaj has got something. That’s not to say that Paton and Dipepa can also force their way into the side but right now I would be thinking about Tolaj and Stockley as the partnership for the opening League game.

Will Moore take any trialists on?

According to chatter on the terraces, several of the previous trialists have moved on. Those who have departed appear to include Deklan Wynne, which leaves a vacancy at left-back. Of the three trialists who played on Saturday I was most impressed with the player who came on as left-back for an injured Sam Hart. According to internet sleuths this was 23 year-old former Everton defender Kyle John. I’d be interested to see if Moore persists with him? John can apparently play on both flanks and with Mitch Clark’s injury history being well-known while Hart was injured in this game, another player to cover those positions could be useful. As for the other trialists, they didn’t do badly – the centre-half was largely steady and the winger, while missing one headed attempt, looked OK albeit perhaps a bit rusty. The jury may be out on that pair but John could be a possible acquisition going on his display on Saturday.

What did you think of the match and these views? Share your opinion and post a comment below.