Vale slipped to a 4-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup away to Leeds United on Wednesday night, but defender Nathan Smith insists there were plenty of positives to take.
The 21-year-old made his 55th consecutive start for the Valiants and he played the full 90 minutes at Elland Road.
He and his team mates were disappointed to crash out of the competition at the first round stage, but Vale didn't go down without a fight.
Reflecting on the game, Smith said: "First and foremost we are very disappointed to be out of the cup in the first round, but it's one of those games that we will look back on and learn from.
"We will go away now, recover and get ready for Saturday's game against Wycombe."
During a strong first half display, Michael Tonge found the net to pull Vale back on level terms and Smith was happy with the spirit shown by the team.
He said: "At times we didn't get out very well but we stayed tight, solid and patient. To go in at half-time with the score at 1-1 was very positive, but in the second half we maybe fell apart a little bit.
"These are the sort of games you look forward to as a player, coming to test yourself against strong opposition. It's not a night we will particularly remember, but we can only put it behind us."