LIFTING THE VALE

Much Improved Vale Showcase Attack Following Defensive Performances.

Port Vale looked good for the win against Notts County – despite having to settle for a point through Tom Pope’s 89th minute leveller.

The Vale had taken the lead when Luke Hannant headed in from a Ben Whitfield cross, but were pegged back in an even first half through visiting striker Kane Hemming’s close range flick.

County took the lead against the run of play in the 87th minute as Elliot Ward volleyed in at the back post, but the lead didn’t last long as Pope was on hand to save the day with a diving header – his seventh goal of the season.

The draw maintains Vale’s now five-match unbeaten run, but it was the attacking performance that would have pleased management and fans alike.

Despite wins away at Oldham and at home to a good-looking Bury side, some fans were a little critical of manager Neil Aspin’s defensive approach – particularly at home.

The attacking intent in those games didn’t make good viewing, however after the 6-2 thumping from Lincoln a month ago it has been somewhat justified that Aspin has gone back to basics, enabling the team to grind out results.

Aspin has created a team in his own image – hard-working and battling, putting bodies on the line and leaving everything out on the field. However in the game against Notts County fans also saw these characteristics transition from defence into attack.

In an outstanding individual display, Ben Whitfield epitomised this – defending from the front by applying pressure to the County defenders, forcing them into mistakes on multiple occasions and putting the Valiants on the front foot because of it.

Vale carved out many good chances, with Whitfield, Pope and substitute Ricky Miller all coming close as they dominated much of the second half, and two goals from open play – a particular problem so far this season – will have undoubtedly delighted Aspin.

Notts County had good spells in the game too, which made for an entertaining match, but it was the Vale who looked more intent on winning before the visitors briefly took the lead.

It is easy to say that the Vale deserved the win against Notts County, but they were also more than a little lucky to have beaten Bury the week before, so they have to take the rough with the smooth.

Defending too deep can be costly despite the recent run of form. But if they can keep up performances of Saturday’s nature, fans will at least acknowledge the effort – whatever the result.

words Alex Bettany, D3D4 Port Vale correspondent