Defender backs crowd to get Vale Park bouncing
Port Vale defender Carl Dickinson was happy to take a point against one of the Sky Bet League 1 favourites after the Valiants came from behind to take a point at Vale Park against Brentford this afternoon.
Shaleum Logan gave Brentford the lead after 26 minutes but Vale replied minutes later after captain Doug Loft’s smart shot levelled the match.
After an end-to-end 90 minutes it finished 1-1, 26-year-old Dickinson believes a point was a fair result.
“I think the lads dug in really well and to come away with a point against probably one of the favourites for the league was massive for us,” he told Valiant Player.
Vale replied minutes after going behind and despite looking threatening on the counter they couldn’t break down a stern Brentford defence.
The match became a midfield battle after the break with both sides trading the lion’s share of possession throughout the match.
He said: “Overall I think it was (a fair result), they had a few chances and we had a few little sniffs but like I say, they’re one of the favourites and I think at times we caused them a lot of problems and they caused us some.
“But overall a fair point.”
Defender Daniel Jones was declared fit after overcoming a thigh injury that had curtailed his pre-season in the closing weeks. Jones’ involvement saw Dickinson switch to central defence alongside Chris Robertson.
Dickinson believes the defensive unit can only get stronger after a positive display against a forward-thinking Brentford side.
“I enjoyed it, I kept talking to Robbo (Chris Robertson) and he was talking to me, Jones as well and Yatesy, I think if we can keep that talking going and make sure we’re tight as a unit as a back four then I think it will only help us,” he told Valiant Player.
Over 7,500 supporters arrived at Vale Park and the defender believes if they can carry on creating similar atmospheres throughout the season it will really help the side.
“The fans today were brilliant, if they can come every other week and are making sure this place is bouncing then the lads feel that, some people might say ‘you don’t hear that’ but we do and it does help,” he said.
With the season now underway, Vale will not have long to wait until their next match. Walsall visit Vale Park on Tuesday in the Capital One Cup and Dickinson is ready to go again.
He added: “Hopefully we can kick on again from here, another game comes very quickly this Tuesday against Walsall in the cup, we’ll be making sure we’re ready again for that come Tuesday night.”
Watch the full interview on Valiant Player.