Vale came out on top in a six-goal thriller versus Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night and the win ensures Neil Aspin’s men progress into the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Despite Sky Bet League Two remaining the priority for the manager and his players, Aspin is delighted that the Valiants are winning games, regardless of the competition.
“I’m pleased that it’s another win and you can’t beat coming out on top in games,” the gaffer said.
“Winning breeds confidence and it was nice to get four goals, some good ones amongst them too.
“There were areas that we could’ve done better in, but when you make a lot of changes you don’t expect everything to go to plan.
“Over the course of the 90 minutes, there were certainly more positives than negatives.”
With the Valiants now into the next stages of both the Checkatrade Trophy and the Emirates FA Cup, Aspin is happy with the application of his squad.
He said: “The FA Cup is a massive competition and you want to stay in that for as long as possible, and while this trophy isn’t the same, you’ve got to try your best to win games.
“It’s always great to progress and it gives other players who are maybe not playing regularly an opportunity to show what they can do.”
Following a week away from Sky Bet League Two action, back-to-back victories in cup competitions will ensure that Vale head into Friday’s clash with Newport County in high spirits.
Aspin knows that going to Rodney Parade will provide a difficult task, but he is looking forward to seeing how his side respond to the test.
“Newport is always going to be a difficult game, but we’ve got to try and concentrate on doing our own jobs,” the manager said.
“If we do that and play to the maximum every game then I’m sure we will pick up enough points to climb up this league.
“They’re all tough games and we know that if we drop below standards then we won’t pick up points.
“But, we are capable and the players who were rested tonight have got to make sure they’re nice and fresh for Friday.
“Newport have had some good results lately and we know it will be a tough game.”