VALE boss Micky Adams refused to comment on whether he intends to axe keeper Joe Anyon after his first-half howler gifted Cheltenham Town a point this afternoon.

The Valiants took an early lead through defender John McCombe before Anyon's poor punch allowed Medy Elito to bundle the ball over the line just before the break.

Following this 1-1 draw Adams must now decide whether to take Anyon out of the firing line in Saturday's eagerly-awaited Staffs/Cheshire derby against Crewe.

"The media will report on what they have seen and that will be a harsh enough punishment for Joe," said Adams.

"It was a mistake and I don't want to comment on it and add more fuel to the fire.

"I'm sure the media will speculate on it all week."

Just before Elito's 40th-minute goal Vale should have doubled their lead when Robins keeper Scott Brown tipped a Craig Davies drive onto the bar before fellow striker Marc Richards also hit the woodwork.

"In the first half we played really well but there are obviously turning points in games," added Adams.

"We got a good early lead and looked like we were going to go on and win the game comfortably.

"We had a chance just before they scored which was a turning point with their keeper making a save.

"To come in at half time at 1-1 was a real kick in the teeth for us.

"We'd seen enough in the game to think we would be nice and positive in the second half – unfortunately we weren't."