Port Vale 0 Sheff Wed 1

WILL VAULKS is growing into a key player for Sheffield Wednesday, according to Darren Moore. The midfielder’s stunning 30-yard strike was enough to seal a hard-fought win at Vale Park but his all-round display delighted his manager.

Moore said: “Will is growing with us. We know the importance of him. He’s showing the class that he is.

“He’s that anchor in midfield. He’s growing in stature and performance. I’m really pleased for him. It was an excellent strike. I’m just pleased to get the three points.”

Vale gave a stern test to a team side now third in the division, following up a defeat to a Peterborough side who were in the Championship last season.

And manager Darrell Clarke said: “The top teams at this level have real quality and they can hurt you.

“What I will say is that we look like we can compete against those teams and that’s the future of where we need to be heading and get to the stage where we’re beating those top teams. I don’t think that’s a million miles away.”