CHELTENHAM'S acting manager John Schofield insists the Robins won't be singing the blues at Vale Park tomorrow (3pm) as they aim to end a traumatic week on a high.

Assistant boss Schofield was placed in temporary charge on Tuesday after boss Martin Allen was suspended amid allegations he racially abused a nightclub bouncer.

Schofield has been left to lift a side that have failed to record a win in their previous six League Two clashes – a dismal run that has leaves them languishing in 20th place.

"There was a sombre mood at the club on Tuesday with what's gone on, but we had to start preparing for a football match – and we're fully focused," said Schofield.

"I'm in charge of football matters and that's what myself and the players are concerned about.

"Martin has been instrumental in bringing people to the club and ensuring they remain there.

"But we have to look forward and pick up some results. We want to get three points at Port Vale, regardless of what has gone on this week.

"We are going there to get a positive result – that is our driving force before any game."

Micky Adams's men should also be brimming with confidence as they go in search of a fourth straight victory.

They have only lost one of their six home league matches – a 1-0 defeat to Bury last month – and sit just three points adrift of the play-off zone in 12th place.

Schofield, who managed Lincoln City to the League Two play-offs in 2006/2007, added: "Vale Park is going to be a difficult place to go because they are in a rich vein of form.

"Micky Adams has got them playing well and the players seem to be responding to him and Geoff Horsfield [assistant-boss]. They are a big, physical side.

"Micky has been around the block a couple of times. As a manager it can be right to play down your promotion chances because you know that you're two defeats from it being the 'end of the world'.

"Even though they are on a good run of form, Micky stays level-headed – and I admire him for that because it's easy to get side-tracked.

"Are they promotion contenders? Any team that is consistent will be a serious threat."

Robins defender Shane Duff is still ruled out with an Achilles problem, while veteran striker Barry Hayles (hamstring), defenders Lee Ridley (calf), Michael Townsend (hip) and Drissa Diallo (thigh) are doubts.

Loanee Ramone Rose has been sent back to QPR, but fellow striker Julian Alsop, who could replace Hayles, has had his short-term deal extended.

Adams has his own worries after a virus swept through his first-team squad this week.

"This is not an easy game for Vale, full stop," insists Adams.

"We have to maintain the standards we have set because Cheltenham are more than capable of beating us – regardless of the trauma that's affected them.

"It may have a galvanising affect, but we won't know until Saturday.

"I could talk until the cows come home about Cheltenham, but it's about us.

"It's about me saying to my players 'let's not be heroes, you are either fit or not'. There will be no excuses."