Mark Cullen hopes to build on 90 minutes in Leasing.com Trophy win

Mark Cullen hopes to build on 90 minutes in Leasing.com Trophy win

Cullen started his first Vale game since the 3-2 win at Macclesfield in the same competition in late September, and the forward is hoping to continue getting game time under his belt.

Due to injury, last night the Vale striker completed his first 90 minutes since the draw against Mansfield over six weeks ago, and admits that he can only get match-fit by playing games.

Cullen scored against Mansfield that afternoon, and he got himself another two goals last night and emphasises that it’s his job to put the ball in the net.

John Askey made eleven changes to the side for last night’s game, and despite the lack of recent football between the side that started, and Cullen says that the team dug in and got the result.

“A lot of the lads out there tonight, we haven’t played much football between us and I think the first half we did well and got the goal. Second half I think it was tired legs a bit, but we still managed to dig din and got the job done.

“It felt good, probably the last 15 minutes I blew up a bit but that’s to be expected. You can only get match-fit by playing matches, and as you say that’s my first start since I got my little knock so hopefully, I can build on it.

“There’s nothing better than scoring goals, it’s what I’m paid to do really so I’m over the moon to get another two and hopefully we can get a few more now.”

It’s now just one loss in the last 11 in all competitions for the Vale, and Cullen says that the side have every chance of succeeding this year.

Although the league may come as priority, the 27-year-old admits that it’s important to win every game you can no matter what competition it is.

Cullen also emphasised the squad depth within the Vale side. The forward praised his teammates for their performances last night and admitted that the win was thoroughly deserved.

“I think in the division we’re in, if you can keep stringing results together than you’ve got every chance of succeeding and doing something special this year, the lads have been brilliant so far and it’s all about building on it now and sticking at it.

“Winning is a good habit to have, you win any game you can, and you keep building on it and you never stop really. Its brilliant and like you say we’re going into Saturday now looking to carry it on even more.

“I think it [squad depth] showed tonight, 11 changes to the team, it’s not easy to stick at it, it’s tough. I think the lads tonight, every single one of them, the lads that came on, were brilliant and we thoroughly deserved the win."