Michael Brown said there were ‘lots of positives’ to take from last nights Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.
Despite being knocked out of the competition with a defeat, Vale put up a resilient effort throughout the game, especially with several younger players in the side.
Speaking to the media after the game, Brown said he was happy with how the boys coped in such circumstances.
“There were lots of positives”, said Brown.
“There were a lot of young boys who got the opportunity to play in such a fantastic stadium, with a fantastic team against them. I think it will be a learning curve but I think that some of the younger boys froze a bit.
“But, we’re putting 19 and 20-year-olds out there so it’s about gaining that experience. Whether it was slightly too early, you can see that when you come here, experience is needed.”
Managing against his former team, Brown believed that Vale were in the game for the majority of the ninety minutes but the Championship side took their chances later in the second half.
“They are a great footballing side [Leeds], I think they will be towards the top end of the league this year. They have strength and depth, they are spending fortunes all around the stadium with some good additions. So, they will be a good team!
“But for us, first-half we did well, stayed in the game and got our goal. We then, maybe, lost our discipline.
“We lost Rob Lainton at half-time as well, which was a big blow.”