Port Vale manager Rob Page spoke of his immense pride following his side’s Capital One Cup tie with West Bromwich Albion.
before being knocked out of the competition on penalties.goalless draw at the HawthornsThe Valiants held their Premier League opponents to a
For large portions of the second half, Page’s side had the better of the play and the chances while standing firm in defence.
Speaking to the press after the match, the Vale boss was asked what his overriding emotion was. He replied: “Pride really. I’m proud of every single player who put effort in for me tonight.
“To take a Premier League team like that into extra time and to lose out on penalties, it’s a feeling of pride.”
Richard Duffy missed the decisive spot kick but Page was quick to defend his centre back and praised his individual performance.
“I’ve just said to him in there don’t he dare beat himself up because he’s been outstanding in the opening games for us,” the boss added.
“He was outstanding against tonight. He showed character to step up for the penalty. We had a conversation about who wanted to take a penalty and straight away he put his hand up.
“I think it’s one of them where when somebody is that confident and puts themselves forward for it like the rest of them did, it makes the decision for you.”
Over 2,700 Vale fans were in attendance at the match, making a terrific noise from the away end, and the manager expressed his gratitude to them for their encouragement
“Our supporters, I’m proud of them tonight as well because our supporters were outstanding throughout the night,” he said.
“Even at the end the way they clapped the boys off was tremendous, I think they appreciated the work-rate and effort they put in.”