It’s a Team Effort
New signing Lee Hughes might have scored a brace on his home debut against Accrington Stanley, but he was quick to praise his team-mates for the win in another committed performance from Micky Adams’ men.
The striker struck twice in the second half, sandwiching a goal from fellow new signing Darren Purse, as Vale took the three points - and Hughes admitted that although he was pleased with his own performance, it is all about the bigger picture.
“It went well to be fair,” he said. “The first half was a bit frustrating and we knew we needed that goal to open the floodgates. I really enjoyed it. As well as getting two goals, we got the three points and that’s the main thing.
“The goals were pleasing but the win was the priority. We need to keep it ticking over now and aim to get back to back wins – we need to keep on going and try and get promotion.”
Both goals also showed complementary strengths to Hughes’ game.
“They were both different,” he added. “The first one was a chip over the top and I’ve caught it on the volley and the other one I took around the keeper. It was a good performance by everyone.
“The lads have been really good and welcomed us in. There are a few new players and we have all settled in well. It’s a good dressing room and I think that’s what you need to get promotion – it’s very important.”
Hughes also had nothing but praise for strike-partner Tom Pope, who is currently on 27 goals.
“It’s going well between us and Tom is an excellent player. Hopefully he can carry on scoring and I can help him out by scoring a few more.”