By Mike Carter

Vale boss Micky Adams believes it's crucial that the side stick together and show their leadership qualities ahead of the game against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

After four consecutive defeats, Vale bounced back last weekend with an away win at Rotherham United, and Adams was impressed with the way his players stood up to the challenge, but he admitted it needs to continue.

He told port-vale.co.uk: "It's time for people to stand up and be counted by winning their individual battles and showing togetherness on the pitch.

"I was pleased with the response at Rotherham after asking the lads where all the leaders are, and at times like this, we need to stick together and remain focused on the task in hand.

"It's great to see so many leaders in the side and Anthony Griffith has certainly been one, because he is quite clearly the catalyst when the going gets tough, and he is someone you want in the trenches with you.

"Everybody that has a number on their back is a first-team player in my eyes and they have a responsibility to drive the team forward, which a lot of players did last week, and I would expect to see the same on Saturday."

The Valiants come up against a Plymouth side who are lingering in 22nd position in the League Two standings - just one point above the relegation zone.

Despite this, Adams is aware of the threat the opposition possess, after Argyle have gone unbeaten in their last two league games, including a draw against second placed Crawley Town.

He added: "They have had two good results in their last two games, which has taken them out of the bottom three and they will now believe that they can stay clear of the relegation places.

"An improvement to their squad is also a major change as players such as Darren Purse and Paul Wotton have come in to give the club a major lift, and they will be looking to get something at Vale Park.

"There are no easy games in this league and results have shown that, as Crawley have only won twice in their last six league games, but we hope to win on Saturday and to do that we have to apply ourselves correctly.

"The win last weekend has given us a major confidence boost and we know no matter how we get a win, whether it's scrappy or not, the three points is all that matters and that will be the main thing on our mind again."

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