Theo Vassell admits that Vale were way below par during Saturday's home defeat to Swindon Town, but the defender is confident that he and his teammates are ready to put right some wrongs next time out.
On an afternoon where the Valiants failed to impress, Elijah Adebayo's 11th-minute goal was enough to hand the away side all three points at Vale Park, and Vassell was visibly disappointed after the game.
The defender was introduced as a half-time substitute when he replaced Mitch Clark and Vale switched formation as they looked for a route back into the contest, but Neil Aspin's men weren't able to convert any of their limited number of chances.
On the defeat, Vassell said: “With me coming on for the second half it was harder because I know we didn’t play as well today, but it was a disappointing result and a poor performance, and that’s something we need to put right on Tuesday night.
“We didn’t find our rhythm in the first half, but we still didn’t get the goal that we needed in the second. We didn’t start well in the first half and we were sloppy, but everyone knows what we’ve got to do to bounce back.
“The gaffer did what’s right for the team and we changed shape at half-time, but I felt as if we didn’t quite get to grips with things and we should’ve been better all around.
“We’ve got to respond on Tuesday because it’s a big game away at Yeovil, and we need to pick up some points after not being able to do so in the last couple of games."
After making the move to Burslem from Gateshead in the summer, the 21-year-old had to be patient to get his opportunity in the Valiants' defence, and he has now made 11 appearances in all competitions.
Despite impressing during Vale's run of four consecutive clean sheets back in October, he was withdrawn midway through the first half of the Emirates FA Cup clash with Sunderland as Aspin opted for a switch in system.
Vassell was then an unused substitute last weekend when Vale travelled to Mansfield Town, but he is determined to cement a starting berth once more by utilising what he has learned from his time at the club so far.
He said: “It was disappointing being dropped at the time, but I’ve just got to ensure that I keep going and that I keep my head up. Of course, it’s frustrating to be out of the team, but it’s up to me to stay positive, get my head down and take the chance when the gaffer gives it to me.
“I’ve learned a lot, and this has been my first season in league football, so I’ve had to do what I can to prove that I can play at this level."