Port Vale manager Darren Moore said the game against struggling Morecambe was “difficult” but his team showed “desire” to get the win.
Here’s what Moore said to the media after the game.
The game
On paper the fixture can look an easy one – but that’s very different to playing in it. It was really difficult and has probably been one of the more difficult games of the season because they are quite a compact team. They play the percentage game really well but also they can mix it up and play some football as well if you allow them. So, as the game wore on like that, we were trying in everything in our power to try to find that all-important touch. It’s great to see it come from a set play with Chizzy at the far post…
His half-time team talk
I said to them at half time there was one thing missing from us in the first-half – just that ruthless approach and desire to get that all-important goal that I felt would open up the game. Having said that, we didn’t give too much away at the back and we got that all-important touch late in the second-half…
Playing Ethan Chislett in central midfield
We looked at this game, the tight pitch, and also us dominating the ball as we did. So, I thought Chizzy playing a deeper role and then advancing into attacking areas would allow us to build and control the game. We know Chizzy is a wonderful technician with the ball at his feet, he sees pictures, is clever with his passes and he had a lot of the ball. I thought he was a real catalyst in getting us playing…
A welcome 3 points of course but a poor game to watch in truth .Neither side showed much footballing ability but what there was came from the Valiants but the inability to convert changes into goals needs addressing urgently,otherwise it good be very costly as the season progresses. Still onwards and upwards and to be top at this stage is something any supporter would have taken at the seasons start ,so we must thank Darren for that alone .
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how well Vale played. Win ugly is the least they can go for, so the all-important result is 3 points to stay top. Beautiful football can wait another day.