Full Back Looks Ahead To Last Two Games
says points are more important than performances at this stage of the season. Adam YatesPort Vale defender
The Valiants have just two games to go in Sky Bet League One, starting with Yeovil Town this weekend at Huish Park.
Rob Page’s side currently sit 18th in the table, four points off the relegation zone, but are unbeaten in their last three matches.
Speaking to the assembled press at Vale Park on Monday, 31-year-old Yates insisted that, while Vale have the quality to play a stylish brand of football, results are the be all and end all.
“Ultimately over the course of the season, it’s where you finish,” he said.
“Fans want to see attacking, flair style of football. Sometimes they’re not going to get that and they’re going to get a solid, resolute performance and you might nick a one-nil.
“Certainly now it’s points not performances that we want. We’re not here to play well and lose games. If it means an ugly win then that’s what we do.
“But ultimately we are a side that can create chances and when you’ve got players like we’ve got in our side there’s always going to be a touch of flair.”
The full back also emphasised the importance of the Valiants having their fate in their own hands.
He said: “There was a period in the season when we were touching the play-offs. We didn’t quite get there and to be in this position now is disappointing for us.
“But we’re looking at it in our own hands and that’s the best scenario to be in, we don’t want to be relying on other teams, we want to be relying on ourselves.
“We’re confident enough in that dressing room that we’ve got enough to be safe.”
Heading into Saturday’s game against Yeovil, Yates also made it clear Vale cannot expect to roll their opponents over simply because the Glovers are already relegated.
Paul Sturrock’s side have pulled off shock wins against Sheffield United and Swindon Town in their last two games.
“Any team can beat anyone in this league,” Yates said. “They’ve had two good results and performances on the bounce and we’ve got to go there expecting a real tough day because I’m sure that’s what we’ll get.”