Midfielder backs Vale to continue run
On the eve of Vale’s second-round tie against visiting Rochdale in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy midfielder Anthony Griffith talks about the new buzzword around Vale Park - belief.
Vale’s previous Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Bury proved to be the catalyst in Vale’s recent run that has seen belief develop throughout the team.
Since the Wolves defeat on the final day of August, Vale have only lost once, with that single defeat coming against Leyton Orient – the in-form side in SkyBet League 1.
Four wins and one draw demonstrates that Vale are starting to believe in themselves at this level.
Griffith said: “I think it’s about having that belief.
“A win can spark everything, that stems confidence throughout the team and when you go two unbeaten or win two games on the bounce you can really start to believe,” he said.
“You can obviously spell the word belief or say the word belief but until you start winning games you don’t get the togetherness in the team.”
Vale managed build on back-to-back wins by salvaging a draw against Bristol City on Saturday and Griffith is determined to continue the run albeit in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
“Having an unbeaten run is fantastic and if we can keep this run going it’ll be great.
“We’re not going to come up against to many teams like Bristol, we’ve just got to do what we do and grind out results, stick together and work hard,” Griffith said.
With a Wembley final the incentive, Griffith reflected on the missed opportunity he had last year when Leyton Orient lost to Southend United in the Southern Area Final on aggregate.
“I was at Leyton Orient last year when we had a genuine opportunity and we’re one win off winning it, which was disappointing,” he said,
Griffith believes Vale have as good a chance as any this season, he said: “It would be a nice opportunity to get there, if we can progress through the stages then we will.
“You’ve got to want it more than them on the day just like every other day.”
With Vale now plying their trade in a league above tomorrow’s visitors midfielder Griffith has warned his teammates not to underestimate Keith Hill’s side.
“Rochdale are a good side and have a good manager so you can’t take them for granted and not underestimate the strengths they have.
“We’re going to have to go out there and roll our sleeves up.”