“Two goals and a clean sheet” – Darren Moore’s thoughts on the win at Salford City

Port Vale manager Darren Moore was pleased with his side’s performance after they ran out 2-0 winners in their Football League Trophy game against Salford City.

The Valiants won thanks to goals from Diamond Edwards and Ruari Paton.

Here are the points Moore discussed:

On the performance:

I’m delighted. I think it was a great workout for the boys, Credit to Salford. I thought we were dominant with our play. I thought in the first-half we were a little bit passive in areas of our play on and off the ball but certainly in the second-half it was a more assertive showing. There was a bit more aggression to our play and great to see the two goals go in. So, two goals and a clean sheet.

On Diamond Edwards:

I thought Diamond took his goal really well, showing the composure to open up the goal. It was great footwork and then he got his shot off. The minute he picked it up he was very direct and aggressive with his approach. He drove inside the box, was occupied by three or four players but still managed to get his shot off. Seeing it go in the back of the net will do him the world of good.

It has been a long awaited return to competitive football but you saw he has terrific feet, terrific skills and he can isolate opponents in a one versus one situation but what I like is that, as a wide player, he is really direct and assertive and wants to score goals.

On injuries:

(Injuries during the game) Both of them were knocks. Connor’s (Connor Hall) was his shoulder, he just fell awkwardly and heavily on it. Then with Baylee (Dipepa) I think it was a succession of kicks. We will assess them both. It is too early. Both are a little bit sore in there at the moment but we will assess them over the next couple of days.

(Absent players) He (Funso Ojo) took a knock on his Patellar tendon yesterday in training and it felt really sore. So, there was no Funso in the squad. We will see how he is in the week and go from there.

On George Byers and Jayden Stockley’s first starts:

George Byers was always going to get 60 minutes tonight, him and Jayden Stockley. To have those two experienced boys get that in a competitive fixture will do them, us and the football club the world of good. They have both said they enjoyed it and are really pleased to be back out there under the lights and in a competitive fixture.