Aspin

Manager Neil Aspin says the team can hold their heads high, and come away with a lot of positives, following Vale's 2-2 draw against Stevenage yesterday.

The Valiants found themselves 2-0 down only five minutes into the second half, but goals from Donovan Wilson and Luke Hannant rescued a point at Vale Park.

Aspin believes the fans will react positively to the spirit that the squad showed in the second half.

"At 2-0 down, the game looked dead and buried, we looked dead and buried. The crowd were restless.

"The players rallied though, and they scored two good goals.

"When the players give their maximum, and show what they did in the last thirty, then everyone will say they did their best to rescue the point."

Aspin was particularly happy with the performance of the more experienced players his side.

Captain Danny Pugh was awarded Man of the Match, and the manager believes he and Michael Tonge's peerformances have been key to his side.

"I've always spoken well of the older players in the team. They never stopped today.

"Pugh and Tonge have played Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday this week, which is a real testamant to their professionalism and how they look after themselves.

"Danny Pugh, of course being captain as well, set a great example today. He works hard, they both work hard, and they've still got a lot to offer."

The manager has also called for the fans to rally behind the team for the remaining games this season.

The Valiants host Exeter City on Tuesday night at Vale Park, and with nine games left to go, Aspin believes the support of the fans will help the team get the points they need.

"They're frustrated. They expected better this season, and they expect better now.

"We've all got to keep going though. The players kept fighting today, and the fans have got to keep supporting the team.

"When the team tries it's best, and they put in a shift, and they work hard, the fans should get behind them."