Vale Boss On Loss To Lilywhites
Port Vale interim manager Rob Page says his side must concentrate on the positives of their performance against Preston North End and move on to the next game.
The Valiants were beaten 2-0 by the Lilywhites at Deepdale as Paul Gallagher and Alan Browne both found the net.
Preston’s first goal came just three minutes before half-time, up until which point the visitors had stood toe-to-toe with their opponents and created numerous chances.
Speaking to port-vale.co.uk following the game, the Vale boss said his players were still confident of getting a result at the break, despite falling behind just moments earlier.
“I could see us going in at half-time at nil-nil and then we regroup, get our break and then we go on and compete in the second half,” he explained.
“Of course it’s always a set back but, listen, we were full of confidence at half-time even though we were a goal behind.
“We knew there were large portions of the first-half where we were holding our own and these are a good outfit, these will be there or thereabouts this season so we take the positives from it and move on.”
In the build up to Preston’s first goal, the ball bobbled and bounced around Vale’s box before falling fortuitously to the feet of Gallagher, who slotted home gladly.
“It was just that little bit of rub of the green, that little bit of luck for us, it’s come off his shin, fallen lovely in his path and he’s put a good finish in,” Page said of the goal.
“Disappointing like I said but saying that at half-time we were still confident that we could come out and be a match for them.”
Vale defender Stephane Zubar was sent off in the second-half following an off the ball altercation with Preston striker Joe Garner and the home side doubled their lead just minutes later.
Page believes the red card was a turning point in the match, saying: “Obviously the course of the game changed when Zubar got sent off, which he will be disappointed with.”
Port Vale take on Scunthorpe United at Vale Park on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.