After a recent run of poor results for the Valiants, Neil Aspin looked to his side to pick up their first league win of 2019 away to Crawley Town yesterday afternoon and that's exactly what they delivered.
A first half Ricky Miller goal was enough to ensure Port Vale went back to Burslem with all three points for the first time since November. Not only was it a huge win for the Vale, but also a huge goal for Miller as it was his first league goal since the opening day of the season.
With frustrations growing in recent weeks due the dip in form, Neil Aspin hailed his Port Vale side for their gritty and hard working performance in the South of England and was pleased that his side were able to pick up the win for the travelling fans.
"The supporters who came to the game deserve full credit. It's a long journey but at least they'll have a good journey back. You want the supporters to enjoy coming to games but the only way they can do that is by getting results...
"The players have done fantastically well, they knew how important the game was... For the players to work exceptionally hard, play good football as well and get the three points they couldn't have done anymore for me. I'm really really pleased.
"I've said all along there's a good group of players and atmosphere at the club... if you're going to win games at this level you need all your players putting in a shift. Today, I felt everybody played well and there was some really good performances throughout."
It certainly was a performance that every player could be proud of as they chased, fought and battled for every ball on the pitch in a bid to secure the win.
The gaffer was impressed with the performances across the board from his players at Crawley and gave a special mention to midfielder Luke Joyce. A player who perhaps at times does the dirty work that goes unnoticed, Aspin hailed his professionalism on and off the pitch and was impressed with yet another solid away performance from Joycey.
One player though who stood out for the gaffer was new loanee signing, Adam Crookes. The young defender has only been at the club for a few days and yesterday was handed his Football League debut by the manager. This didn't faze the youngster one bit and his performance gained many plaudits from those watching, but most importantly from his manager.
"I can't think of anyone who's really played better on their debut, I thought he was excellent. Everything he did was good, he was positive, composed on the ball, he was strong and defended well.
"When you consider he's had maybe 30 minutes at St George's Park to prepare in that formation, he just stepped like he's been playing there all season.
"As a manager you're bringing players in on loan where some come off and some don't. If he can keep up that form, he's going to be a really important player for us."