Micky Adams delighted for the whole team
Despite Micky Adams being presented with the Manager of the Month award last week, alongside Tom Pope’s Player of the Month, Vale managed to shake off what may see as a ‘curse’ in last night’s televised win over Oxford United.
Many were expecting the ‘curse’ to kick in, but there was never any doubt in the dressing room that the lads could go out there and perform, and just as importantly, win the match.
Boss Micky Adams said: “All the ingredients were there that’s for sure and with a new owner in the stand, the pressure was on, but we’ve responded magnificently with a great performance.
“I wasn’t concerned about the home form because everybody draws comparisons with our away form. We have been beaten once at home and that was by Gillingham.
“If we needed to put on a performance then I think we have answered it with a comprehensive home performance.
“I know what I have got in the dressing room and the good thing is they are starting to believe they are a decent side as well and whilst we don’t get carried away with that, maybe a few people will take notice of us now.
“We wanted them to showcase themselves as individuals and showcase us as a team and showcase the division, because I think it’s important, when you get the opportunity.
“We don’t get many opportunities in the second division to do that and I think we have done that.
“Popey was ‘Johnny on the Spot’ for his goal and you can’t take that away from him. People will say ‘well he’s in the right place at the right time’, yes he is, but he is getting some tremendous service.
“He stuck it away to put us one-nil up. How Ashley Vincent got the second I don’t know, I think Oxford will be slightly disappointed with that, and the third one is a good goal.
“Jennison and Ashley Vincent were a real threat all night, and Sam Morsy, although we are disappointed with his booking, because that means he misses a game because he is suspended, we are delighted with his goal because it really settled us down after that.
“I am just delighted for the whole team because they put on a show. Give credit to Oxford as well because I thought they were a threat at times.
“I thought Riggy played particularly well without any real reward, but it was our night and I don’t think anybody could take that away from us.”