Following the disappointing result at Blundell Park last Saturday, Neil Aspin has claimed now is the time to show 'team spirit' in order to salvage their form from just a few weeks ago.
Port Vale failed to make it two away wins on the bounce as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Grimsby Town. A first minute goal from Wes Thomas set the tone for the afternoon, before a second-half JJ Hooper goal put the game past Aspin's men.
Following the defeat, the boss reiterates how important it is to remain positive after the loss.
He said: "I'm pleased we dont have a league game on Tuesday I think that's fair to say, but it was always going to be a tough month, we were going to get tested.
"It was only a week ago everyone was saying we've got a good team spirit, now's the time we've got to show it.
"We're going to get tested, we're playing the league leaders so it's a test of character - we have to roll up our sleeves and get on with it."
Port Vale now face two home games on the spin, as they welcome Burton Albion and league leaders Lincoln City to Burslem, all in the space of five days.
Tuesday night marks the first game of the Checkatrade Trophy as Aspin's side face off with Sky Bet League One outfit, Burton Albion.
Having always claimed that the league is his priority, the Vale boss has confirmed that the fans can expect a changed side for the cup tie.
He said: "Firstly I've got to weigh up whose not going to play and then decide how many changes I can make.
"There must be thought behind it and there must be a reason why I'm doing something, and we need to look at which players are going to benefit from the game.
"I'll take my time to decide, possibly a couple of people will play that I didn't see playing a week ago."