Vale got off to the best possible start on Saturday as they earned an away victory at Crawley Town on the opening day of the 2017/18 season.

Goals from Michael Tonge, Antony Kay and Dan Turner sealed the three points for the Valiants and Michael Brown's men are now up and running in League Two.

In a game where Vale proved to be more clinical in front of goal, the manager was pleased with certain aspects of his side's performance. However, he knows that picking up points is the main priority.

"First and foremost it's the result. I saw a lot of character from the team and that's what most pleased me.

"We felt that if we could go away with three points it would be a great start for us and one that would fill us with confidence. It was a good day all round.”

He added: "We didn't play particularly well, especially in the second half. I thought Crawley pinned us back, but the boys defended extremely well to keep the lead and of course we managed to get the goal we needed at the end."

Young striker Dan Turner came off the bench to fire home the final goal of the afternoon before heading to the away end to celebrate with the travelling supporters.

Having watched Turner progress through the youth setup, Brown was delighted to see the 19-year-old score his first goal for the club and he knows that the forward is capable.

He said: "Dan worked very hard, we knew there would be danger down the right and we certainly knew he had the capabilities to restrict that.

"He has got great energy levels and defensively he tracked his man, but then he gets his first goal - he has worked extremely hard and it was a great moment for the boy."