Port Vale: Win puts us at crossroads – Adams

by Steve Shaw

MICKY ADAMS admits his side have arrived at a season-defining crossroads after earning their first win in six league matches last night.

Their 2-1 victory over Lincoln City, achieved thanks to goals from Marc Richards and Louis Dodds, lifts Vale one place to 13th in League Two, just five points adrift of the play-off zone.

As Vale prepare to host Morecambe on Saturday, Adams said: "We showed a lot of character, desire and we had a bit of luck– all the ingredients were there and I was very pleased with the performance.

"Before the game I said December is a big month for us and, if we can string results together, the table can turn on its head.

"At the minute we look like a mid-table team, but we've only lost four league games all season and I don't see a lot to worry us.

"We can go one way or the other.

"Do we want to be a top-half team looking towards the play-offs, or do we want to be in a relegation battle?

"That can happen quite easily when the games come quick and fast as they do over the Christmas period.

"We won last night and now we've got to be brave on Saturday (against Morecambe) with a decent home game to look forward to."

Striker Richards handed Vale a first-half lead by netting his first goal in nine games and his 10th of the season.

Keeper Chris Martin gift-wrapped Lincoln's equaliser by allowing Eric Lichaj's long throw to slip through his grasp and into the net.

But Dodds sealed victory with a well-struck effort around the hour mark.

"Chris will be fine," added Adams, reflecting on Martin's howler.

"Keepers tend to get better as they get older and learn from their mistakes.

"He's only 19, has fantastic potential and he'll learn from it."

Loan striker Lewis Haldane made the final appearance of his third successive one-month loan spell.

The 24-year-old Bristol Rovers attacker is now ineligible to play for Vale due to the Football League's 93-day loan rule. But Adams revealed the club are close to agreeing a deal which will see Haldane secure a permanent short-term contract during the January transfer window.

"Talks are ongoing and we are close to agreeing terms," added Adams.

"I'm not sure if he'll go back to Rovers, but we'll certainly keep him for the next three weeks and keep him fit for January. Hopefully, we can tie up a deal this week."

Adams has ruled out making a January loan bid for former Vale midfielder Chris Birchall, who is training with the club after finishing his American MLS season with the LA Galaxy.