Adams Relieved After Vale Win

Vale boss Micky Adams was understandably a relieved man after seeing his side secure a precious three points at Carlisle courtesy of Tom Pope`s third last minute goal in a week.

A drab affair that appeared to be petering out into a draw was enlivened by Pope`s fourth goal of an ever improving season as he latched on to Doug Loft`s pass to finish coolly.

The Vale boss raised more than a few eyebrows with his team selection, opting for the side that was largely unimpressive against Bury in midweek. Despite it being a side that lacked any obvious width or pace, it did the trick as the Valiants frustrated the home side for large periods before Adams made a triple substitution with the idea of pushing for the win. Or so the plan went.

After back to back league defeats, Adams was satisfied to see his side finally keep a clean sheet as well as securing their first away win of the season. “A win cheers everybody up, breeds confidence. It gives players a little bit of belief and sends the supporters home happy and that`s what the game is all about. Any win at this level is a welcome win and I thought we deserved that.

“We wanted to be nice and tight, we set off with the same lads who I thought did well against Bury in midweek and we looked solid.

“We have done a lot of talking this week and a lot of work, particularly with the back four and the one thing that we set out to do was to keep a clean sheet, and we have done that.

“We will have stiffer tests I am sure, but Carlisle have struggled particularly at home in terms of getting wins and it was important for both teams.”

The win will hopefully relieve some of the angst surrounding Adams and Chairman Norman Smurthwaite`s comments regarding any offer of a new contract for the Vale manager. Those issues need to be dealt with in house and for the focus to be on Vale`s performances on the field. A positive start on that front, though the Valiants are sure to face a stiffer test at League One`s early pace setters Leyton Orient next Saturday.