Askey after Cheltenham

It's now five wins from the last six in all competitions for the Vale, and Askey admits that the win against Cheltenham was the perfect reaction following last weekend's disappointment.

The Vale boss admits that he was a bit worried after going a goal down so early against Cheltenham on Saturday, but said that the win was the ideal way to bounce-back after defeat last time out.

The Vale have now lost just one in their last nine in all competitions, but Askey said it’s important to stay grounded because nothing has been achieved as of yet.

The Vale host Mansfield Town in the first knockout stage of the Leasing.com trophy tomorrow night, and the gaffer emphasises that the club will do everything they can to progress.

“As I say, we’ll keep our feet on the ground because at the minute we haven’t achieved anything, still the important thing is to do well in the league and cup competitions are just the icing on the cake.

“I was worried about this game, especially going one-nil down that we would suddenly start to slide away, but this was the perfect answer and remedy, getting the win today and it keeps the feel-good factor that’s around the club and long may it continue.

“Winning becomes a habit and we’ll put everything we have into Tuesday’s game, and hopefully we can get a result and move on in that competition because it’s the one competition with the possibility of getting to Wembley, so we’ll enjoy this and hopefully we’ll be enjoying Tuesday as well.”

It's the first time the Vale have reached the third round since the 2016/17 campaign, and Askey has hailed it an achievement, especially considering the tough draws the club have had.

Askey was certainly full of praise for his players after the match and highlighted the side’s character and their willingness to give everything they’ve got once they pull on that Vale shirt.

The gaffer also gave a special mention to the Vale fans, 443 turned out to a freezing cold Gloucestershire to witness a stunning second-half comeback, and Askey was pleased that his side could send them home with something to cheer about.  

“It is an achievement because obviously we have had two tough draws away from home, MK Dons and then to come here, and to go a goal down so early, shows again great character from the players.

“They’re a good bunch of players, and as a supporter you know what you’re getting from them, all the supporters ask is when you pull on the white shirt you give everything, and that’s what they’re doing.

“To turn out in the numbers that they do, you know we’ve got a great following and great supporters and hopefully we can keep giving them something to cheer about. We want to keep it going but we’re always guarded against complacency.”