CLARKE DELIGHTED WITH FORM OF VALE GOAL HERO WILSON

PORT Vale manager Darrell Clarke says James Wilson is getting deserved recognition after the striker netted a hat-trick in the 5-1 win at home to Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup first round. Wilson put Vale in front with a cool finish after skilfully making room in the area. He doubled Vale’s lead when his effort was deflected home before he threw himself at Tom Conlon’s cross as Vale went 3-0 up.

Further goals from Lewis Cass and George Lloyd wrapped up an emphatic victory against an Accrington side who had Colby Bishop sent off but pulled a goal back through Ethan Hamilton. Wilson’s goals take the former Manchester United striker to six for the season after his summer free transfer move from Salford. Clarke said: “He is a great lad, he is a model pro. He has been at some big clubs and is enjoying his football. That is the remit I gave him when I brought him here enjoy his football, work hard for the team, which he has done on every occasion, get his training plan right, which I think is very important for him, and we know he has that ability to score goals. “When I work with players, I don’t care about the past. Obviously we look into the past before we bring a player into the club. But we look at his attributes and what he can do and bring to our squad. We have seen that for the majority of the season and he has had his hat-trick.”

Vale are into tonight’s secondround draw after seeing off an Accrington side who had plenty of the ball before the break despite going in 1-0 down to Wilson’s goal.

Clarke added: “I am delighted to get into the next round of the cup and the bonus is the goals.” Vale are ball number 39 in tonight’s second round draw. That takes place on ITV4 at around 9.30pm after Dagenham and Redbridge’s tie at home to Salford.