Luke Joyce admits that there is a really good feeling around Vale Park at the moment after Vale recorded back-to-back wins at home to Mansfield Town and Yeovil Town, and he is hoping he and his teammates can continue that run this weekend.

The Valiants head to Swindon Town with a bit more breathing space between themselves and the bottom two as a result of those victories, but the midfielder  insists that there isn't time to rest on their laurels with nine fixtures left to play.

Despite having to be patient to showcase his ability this season, Joyce is now a regular in John Askey's side, and he is determined to end the season by performing well in a Vale team that are winning matches in Sky Bet League Two.

He said: "Over the last few weeks the mood has got better, and that comes with results and performances. It's a lot more enjoyable coming into work when you know you've got three points.

"Winning two games in such a short space of time has given everyone a lift - all the lads have an extra stride in their step. It has been a good week, but hopefully we can finish off right on Saturday.

"After the performance we put in at Notts County, we came away feeling that we deserved all three points and we were determined to build on that. We have got a good squad with plenty of talented players who are currently in a good vein of form.

"We've got nine games to go now, so hopefully we can build on the last few results and have a strong finish to the season. It has been a great 10 days or so for us, but it counts for nothing if we take our foot off the gas. 

"If we can keep this momentum going by getting more points on the board, we'll soon find ourselves getting clear of the bottom two and the gap will get bigger. We can only look after ourselves and do our own jobs."

Joyce has been playing in a midfield three during the recent weeks, forming a strong partnership with both Manny Oyeleke and Tom Conlon who have also impressed in the new system.

Although he admits that he isn't a flashy player who will catch the eye with tricks, Joyce is confident that he can offer plenty of attributes to the Vale team, and he believes there is a great balance amongst the squad who are adapting to the tactics of Askey.

"I'm enjoying it at the moment playing as a deep lying midfielder, trying to get on the ball in order to get us playing," said Joyce.

"It's my job to shift the ball from side to side whilst supporting Manny and Tom, so it gives them more licence to go forward and they are able to play with a bit more freedom. 

"The current formation probably suits my game better from a selfish point of view and I've played that role many times, then with those two in front we have a good balance in there. 

"People have said it before, but I'm not a flashy player. I don't do four or five stepovers before I pass it and I'm not blessed with pace to take five players on, but I'd like to think I have different qualities to add to the team.

"As long as I'm doing well and we are playing well as a group, I'm happy with things. It's just a case of not getting too high with the wins and too low with the defeats - we have to keep a level head."