Adam Crookes believes the Vale have plenty of momentum heading into tomorrow's trip to Moss Rose having already won there this season.
Crookes was part of the team that picked up a 3-2 victory away against the Silkmen in the Leasing.com trophy last month, the first win on the road for the Vale this campaign, and he hopes they will repeat that form and claim their first away league win of the season.
The previous win is not the only thing giving Crookes and his fellow players confidence, as the team’s recent results have done the same thing, winning 3-1 at home to Morecambe last week adding to the growing confidence that they are capable of beating any side.
With 1,900 Valliant’s travelling to the game, Crookes also spoke about how much of an impact they can have on the game, with their support helping to spur on the side and the electic atmosphere enhancing the confident feeling within the squad.
He said: “I think mentally that [winning there earlier this season] helps us going into the game, they know that we’ve been there and beaten them so they’ll have that in the back of their minds.
“[Macclesfield] know they’re coming up against a tough side, obviously the team might change quite a bit given that that was a cup game, I think even so we’re going to go into it confidently.
“We’ve got a big away following going so I think that’s going to be a really good thing and it might even feel like a home game… it really helps, especially at the start of the game.”
Crookes is also getting confidence from how he has personally started the season, cementing himself as a mainstay, playing in every game so far and receiving plaudits for his performances, expanding his game and adding more attacking output.
Although he has started well, Crookes is still working hard to make sure that he improves each week and continues to develop his game, in matches, in training and by watching how some of the best left-back’s in the world, such as Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, play.
Alopng with working hard on the pitch, improvements to his game were also creditted by Crookes to manager John Askey and the experienced players within the squad, with them providing advice and tips on how to add elements to his performances and keep progressing every week, but emphasised how helpful his game time has been.
He said: “I think, especially at home, we’ve got quite an expansive style on the big pitch, so obviously you’ve got to try and get up and down as a full-back so that’s something I’ve tried to bring into my game.
“I’m always trying to improve and develop, I think you’ve got to be your own worst critic at times, there’s times where I’ve looked on my performances and maybe I want to do better, but that’s normal as a footballer and we always want to get better and that can only help you improve.
“The manager’s been giving me little tips here and there… the experienced players are always in your ear, giving you little bits of advice, but I think it just comes with time, just playing these games.”