Pre-season is often said to be mainly about getting minutes into legs and building fitness, but performances are important too as players look to catch the eye of the manager.
One player who is determined to do just that is Dan Turner. The 19-year-old striker featured for 45 minutes against Newcastle Town and he now has his first full game of pre-season under his belt.
During the fixture with Derby County, Turner experienced coming up against Sky Bet Championship opposition and he felt as if he contributed well in what was a closely fought match.
"I'm quite happy with how I've performed so far, but I'm a striker and I still need to score a few goals, he said.
"That's just what is missing and it's frustrating, but I know once the first one comes, I'm pretty sure a few more will follow."
Turner knows just how important that first goal can be, but confidence isn't an issue for the striker as he looks to progress and become a regular in the Vale first team.
He said: "That initial goal is massive. It's just a confidence boost and once you've found the net you know you're capable of it.
"I'm just waiting for that time to come and I think it will soon enough."
Having already made a handful of appearances in the senior side last season, Turner has his eyes set on emulating that in 2017/18. Some targets have been set by himself, but he knows he just has to keep striving to improve.
He said: "My main aim is to cement myself a place in the first team squad and I think I've got a chance.
"I have the confidence to compete with the other strikers. As you saw tonight (against Derby), I tried things that perhaps other players wouldn't have done and that's because I believe in myself and fancy my chances."