View From The Bycars

Given Vale`s recent superb run and performances it was inevitable that the opposition would eventually catch on. Certainly, Gillingham did. They negated our attacking strengths by doubling (and sometimes tripling) up on our wide men and exploited our defensive weaknesses by playing the speedy on-loan Findley instead of Danny 'gissa penalty` Kedwell against our lumbering centre halves

Martin had a terrific game at left back and Flanagan was all over Pope like a mad dog in a nightclub. Perhaps the referee thought they were just good friends. Shuker and Morsy tried manfully in midfield, but there was never any space and we were reduced to pumping long useless balls up to Pope. Dodds was especially isolated and ineffective as a result. Only very near the end did we manage to get the ball down and play some football, but we could never get the goal that might have changed the dynamic of the game, despite some good chances.

One caller to Praise and Grumble seemed to think that Mr Adams would have the players in for a Sunday boot camp. I hope not. They looked like they could do with a rest. There is no need to panic. Vale`s weaknesses are plain for all to see. I am sure that Mr Adams is well aware of them, but we carry a much more potent attacking threat than we have for many a long day. Not all teams will prove as adept as Gillingham at snuffing it out. The solution to Vale`s problems is off the pitch. Perhaps Mr Young`s swan-like progress disguises frantic effort below the waterline. I hope so. The team is a pleasure to watch at the moment, yesterday notwithstanding. The club is running out of time.