Scott Burgess scored Vale’s first goal in their 2-0 home win over top of the league Swindon Town yesterday and he believes the game displayed just what the team are capable of.
With just 13 minutes on the clock, Burgess played a long one-two with Tom Pope who pulled the ball back to him to fire into the far top corner and give Vale the lead.
The midfielder expressed how he feels the win reinforces the confidence of the squad and lets the other teams in the league know how strong of a side they are.
To end the year by getting all three points after a run of draws with strong performances was essential according to Burgess who stressed the impact the result will have on the confidence of the players
To be able to have scored one of the goals in such an important win left a smile on Burgess’ face, as he was delighted to keep his form going since breaking into the starting 11.
He said: “It’s a massive win for us against the league leaders, to show what we’re capable of and we obviously got a 2-0 win and I think it puts a statement down to the rest of the league.
“The performances have been good the last few games but we’ve just not been able to get the three points that we feel we deserve and today was an all-round performance, we got the win, a clean sheet, so to end the year on a high is always a positive.
“It’s nice to get back amongst the goals and a one-two with Popey, a long one, but it was brilliant the way he set me and it was there to hit first time and it’s gone in and it’s a great goal.
“I’ve been enjoying myself since the day I walked in the door, it’s been brilliant, I’ve had to be patient but I’ve always believed in my own ability and I feel like I’ve done well and contributed well to the team and that’s all I can do.”
The second goal of the game was scored by Burgess’ midfield partner, Jake Taylor, who curled a beautiful effort into the far top corner.
Burgess praised Taylor for his continued form and emphasised how much he is enjoying life alongside him the centre of the park, with Luke Joyce also praised for his role just behind them.
The midfield three played a key role in keeping out the Swindon attack, and seeing out the clean sheet, something that has become essential for the side in recent weeks.
Burgess admitted it’s crucial that the team carry the momentum into the first game of the new year when they host Macclesfield Town, as they look for back to back wins to start the year off with three points ahead of their trip to the Etihad.
He said: “Jake’s goal was brilliant, he’s shown that with the goals he’s scored in the past, he scored a similar one against Leyton Orient, we work well in the midfield, me, Jake and [Luke] Joycey, we’ve been doing well so long may that continue.
“The Mansfield game, that’s what it came down to really, our game management and we were a bit naïve but it’s a massive bonus to get the clean sheet, I think we deserved it.
“The league’s the main thing and to get back to back wins is something we need to do to really kick on, take momentum going forward, and the Man City game’s coming up but we need to focus on the Macclesfield game first and hopefully we can get another three points.”