Since Neil Aspin took charge earlier this month, Tom Anderson has been a mainstay in the heart of a Vale defence that have conceded just one goal in a run of three successive victories.
The 24-year old centre-back has impressed since his summer arrival on loan from Burnley, but he is looking to build on what has been a positive last few weeks.
Last time out, the Valiants battled their way to three points at a blustery St James’ Park, beating promotion chasing Exeter City 1-0.
“They were in the top three and they have started very well, so to go to their place and win was fantastic,” Anderson said, reflecting on that game.
“We dealt with the weather really well and we came away with a clean sheet - it was a very positive result for us.”
Speaking about the supporters, he added: “It’s fantastic to hear them cheering you off, that’s what you want.
“Everyone wants to be winning games by giving everything they’ve got for themselves, but for the fans too because they travel a long way. You want to give them a result.”
Following back-to-back clean sheets, Anderson is hoping that Vale can continue to shut out opposing teams. He has partnered Nathan Smith in the centre of defence, something which he is enjoying.
“Smithy [Nathan Smith] is obviously a very good player, easy to get along with on and off the pitch and he’s a good lad,” he said.
“First and foremost, we both go on there to defend. We have to win our headers, tackles and one on ones - I think we’ve been doing that pretty well.
“Stopping teams scoring is our main aim as defenders, that’s what we go on the pitch to do. If we keep them, all we need is one goal to nick a game like we did at Exeter.
“The manager gives us good advice, he tells us to be solid and to make sure we are talking, getting other people to do their jobs as well.”
Despite the improved form over recent weeks, Anderson is experienced enough to know that the team must remain focused on each game as it comes.
With Swindon Town next up for the Valiants at Vale Park, he and his teammates are concentrating on putting in another strong performance to get a result.
He said: “I think that’s one of the most important things, we can’t get ahead of ourselves now.
“Yes we’ve won three games, but we need to keep going, take it game by game and hopefully we’ll rack up the points to climb the league.
“Swindon are a good team and it will be a tough game as usual. We’ve just got to make sure we do what we’ve been doing in the last three matches to get a result.”