Vale Boss Verdict On Final Day Defeat

Port Vale manager Rob Page thought his side’s loss to Fleetwood Town was simply one game too far for some of his players.

The Valiants were beaten 2-1 by Graham Alexander’s men following first half goals by Josh Morris and Mark Roberts. Michael O’Connor scored a last minute consolation.

Vale were unbeaten in their previous four games - drawing with MK Dons, Scunthorpe United and Preston North End and taking three points from Yeovil Town at Huish Park - ensuring their Sky Bet League One safety.

Speaking to Valiant Player, Page admitted some of his players were suffering from fatigue against the Cod Army at Vale Park.

He said: “If I could have made seven changes at half time, I would have. Like I’ve said, that’s nothing against the lads, that’s just purely fatigue that’s kicked in for the amount of games they’ve had recently and the amount of effort they’ve put into it.

“That’s not making excuses, we never accept a defeat, we never accept a poor performance but with the emotions and everything that was involved last week, I just think it was one game too many for some of them today.

“But the lads I’ve brought off at half time, they’ve been tremendous all season and they’ll be disappointed, of course they will, but we’ve always said it’s a squad effort.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ROB PAGE ON VALIANT PLAYER.