Moore Urges Port Vale to Maintain Proactive Approach

Following their relegation last season, Port Vale, under the management of Darren Moore, is aiming for an immediate return to League One. Port Vale manager Darren Moore stated that the League Two leaders’ remarkable comeback to secure a point against Cheltenham demonstrates their proactive approach in matches, actively creating opportunities instead of passively awaiting developments. On Tuesday, Vale achieved a 1-1 draw at Whaddon Road by scoring in the 94th minute, thereby preserving their lead over Walsall at the top of the league standings. This Saturday, they are scheduled to face the Saddlers at Vale Park; Walsall recently narrowed the points difference to a single point after defeating Notts County. Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Moore conveyed: “I said to the boys, if you want to be successful in games you have to get the initiative and take the game – you can’t sit back and wait.” He further added: “We had enough ball and got into enough threatening positions against Cheltenham but we didn’t make it happen [until the end] and I think that’s what we’ve learned – we have to demand more from each other.” Moore characterized Ronan Curtis’s late goal, struck into the top corner, as the essential “individual piece of brilliance” for Vale, also referring to the substitute as a “game-changer.” This result ensured that Vale retained their position at the top of League Two, preventing them from falling from the summit for the first time since October. According to Moore, maintaining their leading position has provided a psychological advantage in anticipation of their weekend match against Walsall. He stated: “It’s great motivation. We have to learn [from the Cheltenham draw] and move on to Saturday.” He continued: “It’s another terrific game. Vale Park will be bouncing.” “We have a feel-good factor – we didn’t lose – and it keeps that, and the run, going.” “Our never-say-die attitude is a massive plus factor.”