Manager, Michael Brown, said he was pleased with his side’s performance despite the 1-0 defeat to Derby County last night.

Port Vale hosted The Rams in the first pre-season friendly at Vale Park in a game which saw many convincing moments ahead of the new season.

Darren Bent’s second-half penalty was enough to secure a victory for the Championship side, but Vale will feel hard done by, with the decision to award a penalty.

Brown said: “For a fantastic Derby team, I’m sure we showed that we weren’t that far away.

“They have a good manager in Gary (Rowett) where they moved the ball well. But, it was a good solid performance from us. It was a disciplined one, learning how to stay in your shape and having different formations to think about – we certainly took that on board.

“We could have got something out of the game, we created some good chances and there weren’t any injuries so it was a good work-out.”

This was The Valiants’ fourth pre-season clash and the gaffer is happy with how the new squad have bonded with weeks to go until the new campaign.

“The lads have done everything I’ve asked”, said Brown.

“They’ve got a good attitude with a willingness to learn. They want to do well and that’s the type of team spirit I want.

“I spoke to Gary before the game about teams, players and formations and how they fit into it. I’m learning when I listen to somebody like that, I try to take that in day in, day out and try to make myself better so that we become a better team.”

Another plus for Vale was the return of defender Adam Yates who missed the whole of last season through an ankle cruciate ligament issue last summer.

The gaffer was pleased to see his return to Vale Park but admits that it’s still early so match fitness is key.

“It’s still early. Adam has missed a lot of football after being out for 12 months so we’re just going to keep ticking over him and keep giving him some minutes, but it was nice to see him back at Port Vale on Vale Park. It’s his club.

“I think he had a little twinkle in his eye when he went on and I think that he enjoyed that.”