With Port Vale only picking up a solitary point against league strugglers Oldham on Tuesday evening, the importance of three points this weekend against Shrewsbury Town increases.
Vale fell to a last gasp equaliser against Oldham in a game which they were just minutes from winning.
Defender Kjell Knops spoke exclusively to Valiant PlayerHD after the game, as they now focus their energy towards the weekend’s fixture: “It is very important to get three points to stay in touching distance of the top six.
He continued: “Today was also important, but unfortunately we didn’t come away with the three points, which means we need a win on Saturday.”
Vale came from behind once again, with goals from Remie Streete and another for Rigino Cicilia, a player which Knops thinks brings something different to the team: “When he comes in he definitely brings something extra. He wins headers and is important for when we cross the ball into the box. Today he was important as you saw when he scored.”
The Vale faithful have certainly taken a liking to Cicilia after the recent home games, and their cheering has not gone unnoticed: “He really likes that the supporters are behind him,” said Knops.
“He has settled very well. He gets on and does his thing. He has a really good friend in Chris Mbamba, they’re almost brothers. But I think he is feeling good and at home,” he added.
Vale will be looking to improve upon their recent form as they visit Shrewsbury on Saturday in a bid to claim all three points, as they face some old faces.