Versatile Vale can push hard for promotion says defender
Published:Port Vale’s 1-1 draw with non-league side Dartford in the FA Cup may have suggested that the side won’t last the pace in League Two this season, but Vale defender Gareth Owen begs to differ.
Despite the poor performance, Owen believes that the versatility of the Port Vale squad could be the key to Vale challenging for the league two title – they are currently the 7/2 second favourites to win League Two.
“We’ve gone from playing three centre halves to a back four faultlessly,” said Owen.
“It’s a squad game and we’re going to need people to step up between now and the end of the season.”
But Vale will have to perform a lot better than they did against Dartford if they are to continue their challenge.
Vale manager Micky Adams conceded that his side were outplayed by the Blue Square Bet South side and Adams left Prices Park disappointed by his side’s spirit.
“I’m amazed because we’re second in League Two and you wouldn’t have thought that playing like we did today,” said Adams.
“We were out-battled, out-passed, out-fought, the desire wasn’t there from our point of view and that’s really disappointing from a team I manage.”
But Vale have a huge chance to close the gap on League Two leaders Chesterfield on Saturday when they travel to Northampton who have struggled to get going in League Two this season.
With Chesterfield continuing to maintain their unbeaten record at home, their home tie with Burton Albion on Saturday should yield three points and Vale will need to win to keep up the pressure.
Chesterfield are currently the 3/1 favourites to win League Two, but in Bury, Shrewsbury and Wycombe, there are three teams all under 7/1 that can join Port Vale in challenging the League Two leaders.
Bury at 6/1 to win the title are the form side in League Two. See the full NPower League Two football betting odds here.
