Port Vale midfielder Luke Joyce says despite yesterdays loss away to Newport County, Vale “can take real belief” from the game.
A late second half strike from Newport’s Jamille Matt was all that separated the two sides in the south of Wales on the day after a scrappy game of football.
After heading into the changing rooms at half time with the scores locked at 0-0, Vale came out for the final 45 minutes with their tails up and created plenty of chances. Montano glanced a free header wide whilst Leon Legge’s close range header clipped the bar late on.
David Worrall had Vale’s best chance of the game early on in the second half. Conlon’s pass split the defence wide open to find the midfielder, but Newport’s goalkeeper was quick out the blocks to smother the ball up.
Looking back on the chances Vale had against the in form Newport County, Luke Joyce says Vale need to be more clinical but takes confidence from the performance.
“It felt like we were on top in large spells, playing decent football, getting the ball down and working it into good areas. Maybe just that final cross, pass or finish just wasn’t quite right today where it has been in recent weeks.
“I think we can take real belief when we’ve come to a second in the league Newport County and taken them all the way, we’re just disappointed with the goal we’ve conceded.
“Now we’re going to games expecting to win, expecting to pick up points. We came here today fully believing we can come here and get three points. We defended well… got to half time at 0-0 and were better second half but couldn’t get that finishing touch or right cross in.”
Yesterday’s defeat was the first time the Vale had drawn a blank in front of goal this season in the league, something Joyce feels shouldn’t be a concern after the way the Valiants have started the season.
Joyce and his teammates have come away from several games this season disappointed that they haven’t got more from the game but are playing a system under John Askey that they believe in.
With Vale playing with an identity now of passing football and using the midfield and attack to press high on the opposition, Joyce says it’s enjoyable to play under and feels the fans appreciate what the team is trying to do.
“I’m really enjoying it… we’ve said it in the changing room, we’ve got an identity and a way of playing and everyone in the squad knows how we play and what we do in certain areas.
“I’m enjoying working under the gaffer, Dave and Pughey and it’s a good place to play. We’re playing good football; I’m enjoying trying to get on the ball and make us play and I’d have enjoyed it even more if we won.
“I like to think the fans are happy with what they’re seeing. Quite a lot of them stayed at the end of the game, they travelled in their numbers and clapped us off the pitch so I think they appreciated the efforts, but it’s just a shame we couldn’t reward them with something.”