Micky happy with Vale's second half performance

Micky Adams’ main thoughts after Saturday’s defeat at Northampton on Saturday were understandably about Cobblers’ striker Alex Nicholls, who suffered from a broken leg.

The striker was taken away in an ambulance after the game had been stopped for almost fourteen minutes.

Vale defender John McCombe received a red card for the tackle, but the Vale boss was more concerned about the Northampton man.

He said: “I don't really want to dwell on the sending off. At this particular time all my thoughts are for Alex Nicholls.

“I’ve seen the tackle, it was a genuine attempt to play the ball and it was an unfortunate accident. Everybody connected to Port Vale wishes Alex the very best of luck with his recovery and hope he'll be back soon.

“John McCombe is distraught. John is not a malicious player; he is as honest as the day is long. It was a genuine attempt to try and clear the ball when Rob Taylor put his goalkeeper was in the mire with a back pass.

“The incident completely changed the game. We were always chasing the game after that incident.

“I was absolutely thrilled with our second half performance. We had problems centre half wise, but Kingsley James slotted in there and our backs were against the wall, but I was absolutely thrilled with the performance in the second half.

“To a man, we asked them to stand up and be counted, particularly in the second half. We stuck to it and we caused them a few problems.

“I thought we should have had a penalty at the end of the first half, it was a blatant penalty. I really don’t want to have a go at referees, but I don’t think he will look back at this game with any great pleasure.”