Vale faith restored as Pope KO’s old pals

PORT VALE boss Neil Aspin saluted his players’ hard work and commitment after they dug in to beat Bury at Vale Park.

Former Bury striker Tom Pope provided the decisive goal in the second half, drilling home past Joe Murphy.

Vale have now secured three clean sheets since being hammered 6-2 by Lincoln a fortnight ago.

Aspin said: “Obviously the Lincoln game was a real low point for us.

“We spoke about lots of things after that game, though, and I said to some of the lads that they can either keep going or throw the towel in.

“We have kept going and the response since that game has been terrific.

“I can’t fault the players’ commitment or endeavour after that.

“We were strong and we held on for a hard-earned three points.”

Bury enjoyed the better of the first period, with Neil Danns going close early on.

Nicky Maynard then saw a low shot saved by Scott Brown.

Maynard thought he’d scored when he drilled inches wide after being teed up by Danny Mayor.

Stuttering Vale were booed off at the interval. Their best chance came when defender Connell Rawlinson headed on to the roof of the net as he rose to meet Theo Vassell’s cross.

Vale took the lead just six minutes after the restart.

Mitchell Clark’s cross was only cleared into Pope’s path by Will Aimson, and the former Bury hitman didn’t waste his chance, hitting home an angled drive from 10 yards.

Luke Hannant almost made it 2-0, but his shot was blocked by Chris Stokes.

Bury came close in the 72nd minute when Mayor crashed a shot against the bar.

Bury boss Ryan Lowe was clearly frustrated as his side didn’t take any of their numerous opportunities, and their six-match unbeaten league run came to a halt.

Lowe said: “That’s a game we should never have lost.

“I’m disappointed. The players have got to have that stronger mentality and ruthlessness you need to win games at this level.

“We needed to see the game out when we were on top in the first half. In the end a sloppy goal has cost us dearly.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we’re nearly a good team, but we’re not there yet.”