Vale boss disappointed with performance on Saturday.
Vale boss Rob Page was disappointed with his side’s performance, as he watched his side fall to a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday.Billy Sharp’s 50th minute volley separated the two teams at the final whistle as the Valiants dropped to 11th in the table.
Speaking to the press after the game, the Welshman was somewhat deflated but only because his team didn’t hit the heights that they have showed many times this season.
“I thought we fell below the standards we’ve set. We’ve played much, much better than that, but they haven’t come out and shown what they can do today.”
The conditions were less than ideal for the visitors though, as on loan goalkeeper Chris Neal was recalled for the game due to the absent Alnwick, and centre-back Richard Duffy wasn’t fully fit either.
“It wasn’t great preparation for the game. On Friday, Jak had a collision in training, so we called Neal back straight away. Duffy couldn’t train for two days because he’s been ill, but he still played and put a shift in for the lads.”
Page didn’t hesitate to praise the re-called ‘keeper.
“Well I’m lucky enough to have two number one goalkeepers. Since I’ve been here Chris has been outstanding, and he’s come back in and played really well.”
Looking into the future, Page’s ambitions for the seasons objectives remain the same: ”It’s going to be a big ask for us, but while we’re still amongst the promotion places, we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
“These next few games are crucial because they are going to determine where we finish,” he added.
Page will be looking for a quick response to the defeat at Bramall Lane, as Vale will look to get their push for the play-offs back on track against Southend United at Vale Park on Friday.