Manager Micky Adams had nothing but praise for five-star Port Vale as they thrashed high-flying Chesterfield 5-0 this afternoon.
A Marc Richards hat-trick was the highlight of the afternoon, with a great strike from Rob Taylor and a penalty from Craig Davies the other contributions in a resounding performance at Saltergate.
"We came here expecting a win - we were nice and positive and sent out a positive team," said Micky when he was asked if he was shocked by the result. "If you look at our recent performances, someone was going to get a spanking. We have gained a little but of confidence and every member played their part today - fantastic.
"We were positive against Northampton when we lost 3-1 last week and people were having a go at us. We were nice and relaxed going into this game. We haven't been in the top seven this season and we are still a long way from being in there. The pressure for the teams in the top seven in the last ten games is enormous. They all want to stay there and we wanted to capitalise on that today and we did.
"I think the pleasing aspect is that everyone looked like they were on top of their game, which is great at this stage of the season. That is what you want them to be doing. I didn't think there were any weaknesses in the team but for one chance, first half, we were dominant. We are delighted."
Richards' hat-trick marked only his second ever at senior level and the manager believes that the striker has worked hard all season for his just rewards today.
"I said last week that Marc Richards isn't the kind of lad who hides away. We believe in him and he believes in the way we play. He's a big part of us - he's a leader - and I am delighted for him. I have never seen the home fans clapping off the opposition centre forward before so that tells its own story."
Micky, however, is cautious about mentioning the 'p' word.
"We are not good enough to be talking about the play offs. This result says that if, on our day, we get everything right, it can go our way. I have said before that we have everyone to play in the top half of the table and we can play a major part in saying who goes up and who doesn't. We just hope that this gives us a platform to build on. It is a platform. We will take it and see how far we can go.
"It will say to the dressing room that they are capable of beating anybody. But we have to apply ourselves as best we can and said that before the game to them. We have had a win loss sequence. The beauty about it is when we have lost, we have always bounced back with a win. We have not gone on the run of defeats.
"We know the potential is there in the dressing room and we will got to Cheltenham next week full of confidence."
