‘EVERY SINGLE VALE PLAYER WAS A WARRIOR OUT THERE’
PORT Vale fans have their say after their side clinched a place in the play-offs.
James Wilson’s 36th -minute strike earned a 1-0 win at Exeter on the final day of the regular season to set up a play-off semi-final against Swindon.
Rob Rhead: If anyone doubted the character of this group, this match gave them the answer. Despite being hampered, I suspect, by injuries and lack of match fitness the Vale were determined not to get beaten.
Having Darrell Clarke back on the touchline gave the players an extra few per cent as did the fantastic support. It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t free-flowing, but it was nervy and hard-working. Our only real bit of quality came in the build-up to James Wilson’s great goal.
At the other end of the pitch Aidan Stone was outstanding and made a number of vital saves. This game will give the team a much-needed confidence boost going into the playoffs and while we have to give the other teams respect, there are none we need fear. Now on to Swindon next Sunday and a player who shall not be named.
Craig Davies: And breathe. An absolutely fantastic, battling performance! The difference was we didn’t shrink under the pressure. It wasn’t our flowing best but there was no way we were going to let this slip (at the third time of asking). Vale must take this opportunity given to them and take the final steps to promotion. Come on Vale. Kevin Stanyer: That was exhausting to watch but the lads did not let us down. Wilson’s goal was sublime, and once we got our noses in front the team battled for their lives. Bravery, determination and grit then won the day.
Scott Lingard: I think the word is ‘phew!’ We don’t make it easy but after 46 games we make the playoffs, which is the least we deserve this season. It was tense both on and off the pitch at times, but when James Wilson put us one up, the tension lifted a little.
We hung on through an even tenser second half. The home team tried to at least pinch one to clinch the title, but we held on to get the play-off spot. Bring it on.
Carl Ziemann: The type of performance that has been missing the previous three. Defence looked solid, we battled for every ball, second ball and third ball. They ran and ran and employed the dark arts that have so often been used against us to frustrate Exeter. Cannot complain, they gave what we want and should expect every week in terms of performance levels. Now for the play-offs which can be a lottery. I’m glad Bristol Rovers have gone up as they were on a roll, the others in there now are all fairly even so it comes down to performances on the day. If we perform like today over the two legs we will be a match for Swindon. Peter Barker: Connor Hall was a rock and reads the game so well. Severely missed last week. Richard Lockett: That was the display we needed. Backs to the wall a bit at times but we deserved the win. Exeter created little of note in the second half despite having more of the ball. Cracking finish from Wilson for the goal.
It just shows what we can achieve when we concentrate and cut out the majority of the basic mistakes
and put in the required effort and desire. Vale are a match for anyone in this league on their day. Play-offs can be a lottery but bring it on. Alex Stevenson: What a day!! The dogged 1-0 we prayed for. A bit gutted it’s only play-offs when we had automatic in our hands, but hopefully, we can get to Wembley for another memorable day out.
Aaron Paul Rigby: Every man was a warrior. Gritty and determined but now on to the play-offs. Two more wins and my flight will be booked from Australia.