Dickinson Frustrated With Scunthorpe Defeat

Vale captain disappointed with team's display

Port Vale captain Carl Dickinson admits he was disappointed with his side’s defeat as Vale fell 1-0 away to Scunthorpe on Saturday.

Paddy Madden’s close range header in the second half meant Vale left Lincolnshire empty handed and meant Vale’s slim hopes of reaching the play-offs was ended.

The club now sit in 12th place after defeat in their last away game of the season.

Speaking to the media after the game, Vale’s captain was annoyed by the team’s performance.

“I don’t think there was anything in it really. First half I thought we defended the box really well but I don’t think there was any real quality from any of the teams really.

“We gave away a soft goal again, he’s got a free header at the back post.

“It was just a frustrating day. It’s alright me coming out here and saying we work hard because we do that every day but there was just no quality today.

“It’s a bit disappointing considering it was the last away game and we’ve brought a lot of fans here.

“There’s one game left so hopefully we can go out on a high.”

The defeat saw Vale’s opponents cement their place in the play-off hunt something that frustrates the defender given how close his side have come this season.

“It’s frustrating because I don’t think they were brilliant to be honest with you. I think if we had played anywhere near the way we played last week then we’d have beat them.

“Like I say it is frustrating. I’m a little wound up because it’s not what we are about today, the quality was just missing.”

After being a part of a brilliant League One campaign this season, Dickinson is convinced that the fans should book their place following the side next season by committing to a season ticket.

“I think we have shown the quality that we have got in this squad and like I said the other day I think that if Pagey is allowed to do what he can do then this club will only go forward.

“We need the fans, you have seen them here today they were great. The fans have been brilliant and we need more people. We want more people and it does help when you walk out, especially at home games, when you hear that crowd roaring it does spur you on a little bit.” 

Dickinson was nothing but praising of manager, Rob Page, who has done a brilliant job in guiding the club to a top-half finish.

“I think his potential is massive. I can only see good things for Pagey, he’s a young manager. He’s come into a role where the fans wanted football to change and he has done it.

“We are sitting right on the edge, just missed out but if we can keep the majority of the lads here and maybe improve with three or four more lads then I think we can go on and push forward.”