Port Vale progressed to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night with a convincing win over Middlesebrough Under-21s, though Neil Aspin is not looking too far into the future following the win.

Heading into the tie, Aspin made six changes from the side that lost to Lincoln City last weekend, giving a number of players the opportunity to impress who may have been short of game time.

Ricky Miller got the Vale off to a flying start, netting in the sixth minute to state the Valiants intentions to progress in the cup competition. A second-half Connell Rawlinson header ensured all three points stayed in Burslem as Vale secured their place in the knockout stages.

Following the tie, the boss believes now is not the time to look ahead to the following cup fixtures, claiming he'll be taking each game as it comes.

He said: "You have to respect that I can't really look ahead. At the moment, especially after Saturday, I've really just got to take one game at a time and try and build a platform where we can be more consistent. Where we can put a run of games together and hopefully restore peoples confidence. 

"It will take time, it'll take some doing, but we've made a small step tonight and we've got to keep doing that."

Tom Conlon played a starring role on Tuesday evening, picking up both assists for the Vale goals as well as putting in an all-round solid performance to help his side progress through the cup.

Miller also impressed as he earned a starter's place for the cup tie, justifying Aspin's choice to pick him by finding the net within the first six minutes.

The boss was happy with the performance of both players, and believes there is plenty more to come from the pair.

He said: "Tom has been a plus for us this season. He missed the start of the season with injury, but the more he plays, he's proving to be a good player.

"He's a good footballer, he's got a lovely left foot, and I'm obviously pleased with his performances.

"Ricky Miller, it was important he played tonight and got some game time. I thought he took his goal really well."