Matchday thread: Port Vale v Gillingham

[SFBT]

Tavares is class imo. One of our best players.

 

Agreed. The question is how to effectively use his undoubted talents. I don't think that happened yesterday. When he went off against Scunthorpe I was concerned, but that also, in my view, changed the game as Amoros was highly effective.

[sheffield61]

It is clear, more consistent play like we did in the second half & we could be in for a memorable season ahead......

[Emile]

Didn't attend the game but listened on VP. Soundes like as many fans wanted Jones should be cenrral and Paterson used as an impact sub if were chasing a goal.

 

I said after Bury patreson should be playing reserve football he really needs a couple of goals. Do we know how long Anton is out for?

[mbycars]

I sincerely hope that Bruno has learned that just like last season Foley and Grant worked better together when O'Connor was absent. Now it seems like it is the same when Tavares is in the mix. I'm not blaming Tav as he looks a good player but it's about balance and the change when he went off was amazing Foley turned from a poor player into a major force.

It is clear as day that Pato is no lone forward and the performance improved no end when Cicilia came on and Paterson was actually performing better after the big lads introduction until he was subbed.

That said the team's balance looked better after the first two substitutions plus the changes in formation. Jones looks far more dangerous in the middle rather than out wide where the new winger could be the answer there.

 

I agree with you about the midfield regarding Grant, Foley and Tavares. We did play well all the 2nd half though before any changes and should/could have had 3 or 4 goals before we equalised.

Gillingham were hanging on most of that 2nd half and without Dack they are an average team.

I thought Nathan Smith and Remi Streete were equally the men of the match, strong and steady at the back and threatening up front. Hope the crowds increase because the players deserve a bigger audience for the effort and skill they put in.

[Guppy 4 England]

Paterson was awful, game changed when cicilia came on , gills are a horrible dirty side. Who just wanted to kick lumps out of us. Great win. In Bruno we trust.

[sandyford_valiant]

We never got going first half at all and I said at half time that I would take going in 1-0 down. The block on the line from Smith before half time was the massive turning point for me. Great awareness to get back on the line after McDonald rounded the keeper.

 

Jones was wasted wide right all first half. He's a poacher and needs to be in and around the box and he will score goals it's as simple as that. Jerome was fouled from the first minute and a clear game plan to stop him, and rightly so if I was a manager because he will cause you problems all day if you stand off him. He's got a good turn of pace and he's getting better every game. Good signing.

 

Second half much better, higher tempo and got the ball forward much quicker. Patterson worked very hard up on his own and could do better with a forward next to him to link up with.

 

Thought it was going be one of those days when we hit the post and had three off the line but in the end there was only one team who wanted win that game and we got what we deserved.

 

Well done Bruno and lads

[Fosse69]

The main thing about this season is that the defence is firm and settled, whereas elsewhere we have options in most positions. Fitness and gelling will continue into the New Year, when things are not working on the pitch changes are made which are usually successful. Of course it is more enjoyable if we hammer a team early on and settle the match in 30 mins, but I don't think that is Bruno`s style, more a period of assessing the game then a few changes to take the points. The only downside are the gates, looking around the Railway Paddock area there were a few groups of regulars missing from last season. Why they are not there I don't know, perhaps STs who did not renew could be contacted and given a free or half price ticket to see the changes from last season?

[TheSage]

Unfortunately we appear to be about 500+ ticket holders down on last year.

That, and the string of poor away followings we've seen to date, has meant that we've struggled to break the 5k mark.

 

Hopefully things will improve a little as the holiday and cricket seasons have come to an end, and folk sit up and notice our results.

[Conrad]

Unfortunately we appear to be about 500+ ticket holders down on last year.

That, and the string of poor away followings we've seen to date, has meant that we've struggled to break the 5k mark.

 

Hopefully things will improve a little as the holiday and cricket seasons have come to an end, and folk sit up and notice our results.

 

I know of about 10 who work at the sentinel who ar'nt attending whilst Smurf's has banned the sentinel.

[Guest]

Alnwick 7

Purkiss 6

Streete8

Smith 8

Grant 9

Tavares 5

Foley 6

Thomas 7

Patterson 4

Jones 7

subs new lad forget his name 8

Cecilla 8

The subs won us that game along with the motivation which was very evident as half time approached

 

First 40 sluggish ,last hr tremendous and so deserving of the standing ovation at the end .

[Fosse69]

I know of about 10 who work at the sentinel who ar'nt attending whilst Smurf's has banned the sentinel.

Similar reaction from the readership? Time to mend fences?

[SFBT]

Just watched the highlights.

Jones goal was top drawer

Smiths' clearance off the line was brilliant

Cecelia's hold up play to release Grant superb. I think he's a bit gangly, so not so easy on the eye, but clearly effective

Amazing to have a centre half who can score for fun and another who wins 95%of his aerial battles.

I haven't enjoyed watching Vale this much since last century!!

[sheffield61]

Just watching Stoke loose 2-0 to Palace after just x10 mins......My dream of a Potteries LEAGUE derby next season lives for another day!?....😆

[pvfc.pride.england]

Just watching Stoke loose 2-0 to Palace after just x10 mins......My dream of a Potteries LEAGUE derby next season lives for another day!?....😆

 

It sure does sheffield!

btw if you want a rather good laugh head over to the oatcake thread palace vs stoke

!

[sheffield61]

It sure does sheffield!

btw if you want a rather good laugh head over to the oatcake thread palace vs stoke

!

Already doing THAT!!...😆😆😃😁😁