Michael Tonge believes The Valiants were unfortunate not to get at least a point from yesterday's 2-1 defeat at home to Crawley Town.

Vale took the lead through Tom Pope early on, but a Crawley penalty and a Nathan Smith own goal meant the side came away with nothing.

But Tonge feels the team deserved at least a draw from the game.

"I think we played well, in the first half especially, and I think myself and the lads, we're all just gutted.

"We probably would have been a bit disappointed to have drawn the game, but to lose? It's just really difficult to take.

"Our goalkeeper hasn't had to make a save, and yet we've come away from the game with nothing."

The midfielder also believes that the loss of Cristian Montano could be a big blow for the squad.

Montano, who also earned high praise from manager Neil Aspin, was given man of the match yesterday, but was substituted due to injury in the second half.

"I think Monty, in previous weeks, and especially today, he's been superb.

"He's really taken to that position at left back, and he's made it his own in recent weeks.

"But that's why you've got a squad of players, and now someone else will have an opportunity to come in and prove themselves, and hopefully that'll happen."

However, Tonge believes the squad have the character to get over yesterday's result and be stronger in the future.

The Valiants are at home to play-off chasers Lincoln City next weekend, and the midfielder thinks his side will be ready.

"At the moment everyone's bitterly disappointed, but we've got to get over it tomorrow, come back in Monday, and start fresh.

"We know we've got to get a result next week, and it'll be a tough game against Lincoln. It'll be a different type of game from what it was out there today.

"We know we've got the capabilities to win these games, we just keep shooting ourselves in the foot."