Adams Proud Despite Defeat

Vale boss Micky Adams declared himself proud of his players despite seeing his side blow a one goal lead in injury time to lose to Sheffield United in the second round of the FA Cup. Two goals from the former Crewe striker Shaun Miller in the dying embers of the game broke Vale hearts and ensured there was no fairtytale return to Bramall Lane for Adams.

Tom Pope`s 21st goal of the season looked to have booked Vale a spot in round three. Despite the best efforts of Chris Neal, who performed heroics in the Vale goal, Vale failed to hold onto the lead. Adams told the The Sentinel that he couldn`t have asked any more of his side. "I was so proud of my players. To a man they battled hard.

"We've come to a team in the top four of the division above us and gone toe-to-toe with them.

"We played particularly well in the first half, and while Chris Neal had to make a couple of saves, their keeper made a great save as well."

The performance came at a cost though. Pope, Ryan Burge and Richard Duffy will all now miss Tuesday`s JPT Quarter Final with Bradford City through suspension. With a heavy programme of games over the festive season approaching, Adams may well have opted to rest several of his first team players anyway. Bradford themselves have an FA Cup replay and a huge game with Arsenal in the League Cup on their minds. Sam Johnson, who produced a memorable debut in the last round at Walsall, may be given another opportunity, while there could be recalls for Captain Doug Loft, Liam Chilvers, Louis Dodds and Chris Shuker.

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