Michael Brown has praised his Port Vale side after they impressed against Oldham Athletic in the first group stage game of the Checkatrade Trophy.
The scoreline finished at 0-0 with The Valiants winning a penalty shoot-out to earn a bonus point in Group D – Tyler Denton tucked away the final penalty.
The gaffer was pleased with his side’s efforts at Boundary Park against a solid Oldham side and believed it could have been a win, had his side took their chances in the game.
He said: “I’m delighted for the players.
“We changed a few around tonight against a strong Oldham side. They made two changes which were forced on them. I thought we had some good chances but most importantly we had a good shape and some good individual performances.
“We should have taken our chances, so we can put teams away – that’s one thing we need to improve on. But overall, it was a good night.”
Brown also expressed his delight after getting the first clean-sheet of the season, where Vale’s defence impressed on the night – including keeper, Ryan Boot.
“It was very positive”, said Brown.
“Oldham are in the league above so it was great and we did our job in the competition and it’s one where we would like to progress in!
“It was a nice night for Ryan Boot. I think he will remember that night and I hope that he can take the positives and push his career on.”
The gaffer also gave media an update on how Rekeil Pyke was after the on-loan forward came off injured in the first half.
Brown said: “He’s got a hamstring issue so that’s one downside from the game.
“We will look at that and hopefully it will be okay. But, it might be too soon for Saturday.”