Neil Aspin admits that Saturday’s draw at home to Newport County was probably a fair result, but with some crucial fixtures coming up, he acknowledges that Vale must start winning games.

The Valiants almost found the net in the first half when Michael Tonge struck the outside of the post with a curling effort, but it wasn’t to be and the game ended goalless.

With that in mind, the manager insists that his side must do more to create chances in the final third if they are to secure their first victory of 2018.

He said: “It was a scrappy game and there wasn’t a lot of quality, certainly from our point of view where we didn’t make enough chances - I can’t really remember any clear-cut opportunities where we should have scored.

“I was frustrated with that (Tonge’s effort) as it could have been a goal for us, but you would have to say that off their long throws, they caused us problems from either side.

“I’d need to watch the game again, but if you asked me now, I’d say that a draw was a fair result.

“We are desperate to get a win and that desperation showed at times, so we will have to take the point and we have got some big games coming up which we need to win.

“I’m disappointed that we aren’t winning matches, and every week that goes on, we are putting ourselves under more pressure.”

Vale’s next Sky Bet League Two clash sees them travel to Barnet, a side who lie at the foot of the division despite their win over Colchester United at the weekend.

As his side attempt attempt to pull further away from danger in the league, Aspin is hoping everyone connected with the football club can stick together during a pivotal period of the season.

He said: “It’s a massive game next week, the next two away fixtures for us are and we certainly need to get something out of those.

“My message to the supporters is the same as when I first came in. They have got to back the players and give their support, and then at the end of the season, whatever needs to happen can be addressed then.

“We need everybody to stick together. I realise that it is difficult because when they’re not getting entertained it can get frustrating.

“They haven’t had a lot to shout about this season, but we have got to get to the end of the season and make sure that we get safe - then will come the time where a lot of things can be looked at.”