by Steve Shaw

VALE boss Dean Glover insists he will not attempt to curb his young squad’s combative qualities ... despite their recent red-card woes.

Striker Danny Glover became the third player to be dismissed in six weeks after earning two yellow cards during Sunday’s 2-1 home win over Rochdale.

Vale have picked up five red cards so far this season. Only League Two rivals Macclesfield have more, with eight across all competitions while Chesterfield and Rotherham also have five.

Vale have also incurred 40 yellow cards, the fifth-worst record of League Two clubs, just six cautions behind worst offenders Chesterfield.

Striker Marc Richards saw red against the Spireites on December 20, while midfielder Ross Davidson suffered the same fate against Brentford last month.

Defenders Lee Collins and Sam Stockley were also given their marching orders earlier in the season, but Glover said: “It’s frustrating for managers and clubs when you see some of the silly bookings.

“I don’t have a problem with our record and wouldn’t want to make a big issue out of it.

“It’s a contact sport and we don’t want to take that side out of the game. It’s about the will to win challenges.

“There is also inconsistency from referees, which is annoying. On Sunday, Steve Thompson went past a Rochdale player, and was brought down. Their player had their studs up but he wasn’t booked.”

Football League stats back up Glover’s sentiments, revealing his side have committed the second-least number of fouls in League Two this season with 268.

Only Exeter (245) have committed less, while Chesterfield, Shrewsbury and Luton lead the chart with 369.

If Vale are hit with three more red cards before the end of the season they will break their record tally of seven, previously recorded in 2001-2002 and 1974-75.

Glover Jr’s first caution on Sunday came when he removed his shirt after scoring Vale’s opener to reveal a message on his vest wishing his dad a happy birthday.

Glover Sr has no complaints with the second caution, a lunging tackle, but has reservations about the first, saying: “It’s a shame players are punished for celebrating goals.”