Askey's men were held to a goalless draw at home to Oldham yesterday afternoon, and the boss admits that his side were lacking that bit of quality that we saw against Bradford earlier this week.
The Valiants were not quite able to follow up on their impressive midweek win yesterday afternoon, and Askey stresses that a lack of quality may be down to fatigue after the Vale's first away league win on Tuesday.
Despite not claiming all three points against the Latics, the Vale maintained their unbeaten home start in the league and also recorded their third clean sheet this term.
Three points yesterday would have moved the Valiants up to ninth in the league, which makes matters even more frustrating says Askey, yet his side have only lost one in nine heading into a local derby against Crewe next week.
"We knew coming into the game that get three points and we’d have been in a real good position, so it’s frustrating that weren’t able to put in another performance like we did at Bradford, but Bradford took a lot out of the players without making excuses for them, but we weren’t quite at our best today.
“I think we are all frustrated, the supporters, the players and myself because we're so close yet so far.
"Maybe the lack of quality was due to tiredness, we got in some real good positions but nothing came of it. It’s a shame that we put in such a good performance on Tuesday then we play at home and weren’t able to repeat it, because three points today would have given us all a fantastic lift again."
Adam Crookes was once again unavailable for the fixture against Oldham, meaning Cristian Montano once again had to step in at left-back, showcasing his versatility once more.
The former Oldham player was voted man of the match after his performance yesterday afternoon, and despite a couple of shakey moments from the natural winger, Askey explained how he looks comfortable in that full-back role.
The Vale boss also explained how it gives Montano more freedom to get forward when playing full-back as oppose to a winger, as it gives him more of a run on opposition defenders.
“He’s done really well, he had a great game against Bradford and today he’s done well again.
“Like you said there were times when he was taking people on which you don’t expect but that gave us that little bit extra going forward and we got a clean sheet, and he’s done well so slot in there, he looks comfortable and he will only improve.
“He’s coming onto the ball, he’s not receiving the ball with the full-back up his backside or getting tight to him, he’s able to get the run on players so I think it does help him from that point of view going forward, so hopefully he can keep doing what he's doing because he's doing a good job for us at the moment."