‘HARDWORKING PERFORMANCE IS SOMETHING TO BUILD ON...’
YOUR VIEWS
PORT Vale kicked off Darrell Clarke’s reign with a 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient. Over to supporters for their views ....
Rob Rhead: “The Vale fielded a young defence against an Orient side that hadn’t scored in four games which showed.
“The first quarter of the match was quite scrappy but the Vale edged it with a couple of corners and the odd half-chance. The second part of the half swung Orient’s way but they didn’t look like scoring. I
“It was a pity the Vale couldn’t build on Dave Worrall’s excellent opener and they more-or-less disappeared as an attacking threat for the rest of the game.
“The young defence had done well but a rare error by James Gibbons being the wrong side of his man allowed Kemp to turn and shoot for the equaliser.
“This seemed to shake the Vale defence as Johnson was denied twice within seconds of Devante Rodney’s header against the bar and Darrell Clarke took action to settle things down by bringing Leon Legge on in place of the debutant Mustapha Olagunju.
“A useful away point but this needs to be followed up by a victory over Stevenage on Tuesday to get us away from trouble.”
Steve Taylor: “The gaffer’s interview after the game was spot on. There was definitely more commitment there, we were getting blocks and tackles in and we were 100% more solid at the back.
“We just needed a bit more quality going forward. Once he has figured out that Monty is the way forward at left back and 4-3-3 is our preferred formation with these players we will be sound.
“Hopefully Flitcroft’s contacts will come in useful in the summer and we can have a good go next year (I know we say this every Feb/march time).”
Vincent Tyson: “I expected bit more passion from the players and it was nice to see it happen with a new manager coming in. Good point, onwards and upwards.”
Mark Norcup: “Any point away from home is a good one. The back five performed pretty admirably, no frills defending. Gibbo fell asleep for the equaliser, getting the wrong side of his man, otherwise quite solid.
“The midfield lacked a touch of quality, although the pitch was a bit sticky. Front two worked hard and closed down to good effect. Happy with the scoreline and definitely something to build on.”
Tony Boulton: “It’s a platform to build on. We have not drawn many games so far this season. Hardworking performance on a difficult surface.”
Geoff Meadowcroft: “Any true Vale supporter would have taken a draw before the match .... well done ...just need a bit more quality and some more confidence ...at last the effort seems to be there.”
Dave Clarke: “Point was a fair result in the end with an Industrious performance, loads of effort but little quality. The goal from Worrall and the chances had by Rodney and Hurst were high points along with a committed defensive display. Decent start for Darrell Clarke.”