Port Vale manager Darren Moore praised the “mentality change” from the club’s supporters as his side held on to beat AFC Wimbledon 3-2 and extend their lead at the top of the League Two table.
Brandon Cover and Rico Richards put the Valiants 2-0 ahead early on and the three points were sealed by Jayden Stockley’s goal just after the hour mark, in between efforts from the Dons’ Josh Neufville and Myles Hippolyte.
The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser late on, with Hippolyte hitting the crossbar after James Ball’s shot was saved superbly by Connor Ripley, but Vale did enough to make it five consecutive league wins and 11 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
Victory moved them on to 30 points – four clear of nearest challengers Walsall – and Moore was thankful for the fans’ backing in helping the team see the game out.
“We’re delighted to get the three points,” he said.
“We knew that it was going to be a tough game, a game that we felt we made a little bit more nervy towards the end than it needed to be, but again, credit to the players, credit to the supporters.
“A special recognition for the supporters because in the last five minutes, where last season we would have felt a little bit of nervousness and tension around the place, they were in rapturous voice, clapping the boys and
cheering them on.
“So there was a real mentality change and I want to thank the supporters for that because their vocal support has driven the team over the line to give us three more valuable points.”
Earlier this week the club unveiled a statue of former Vale manager John Rudge to mark his 80th birthday.
Rudge, who was in charge of the club from 1983 to 1999, was welcomed on to the pitch to huge applause before kick-off.
“We played the history of that in terms of what Rudgey’s brought to this football club before the game,” Moore added.
“So I can probably understand the apprehension from the boys a little bit because they wanted to get the job done.”
Despite winning all five of their home league matches so far this season, Wimbledon have now lost four of their six on the road and have dropped to 12th place.
Boss Johnnie Jackson was left to rue his side’s slow start to the game.
“I suppose for the neutral it was a great game,” he said.
“We’ve done everything but score at the end there to get something out of a game against a top team.
“I think we deserved something in the end. We gave ourselves a lot to do obviously with the start that we made to the game, but the response and the reaction from the players to come back the way that they did (was excellent).
“They easily could have gone under and folded and you can get beaten four, five or six here if you fold.
“But we came back into it, showed unbelievable character and I’m not quite sure how we haven’t got one at the end there.
“We’re frustrated because we conceded three goals and, to start the game the way that we did, it makes it so hard.
“And the goals, from our point of view, were really poor and it’s not been like us.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 12 Ipswich 1-1 Man Utd Southampton 2-3 Liverpool LOL OUCH Cristiano Ronaldo now has 500 more Goals than Henry When a taxi driver asked Messi to take photo of him with Mascherano... Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Leicester City open talks with Van Nistelrooy over head coach job🚨🗣️ #Leicester have approached Ruud #vanNistelrooy to explore the negotiation margins to replace Steve Cooper on their bench.📃 David #Moyes and other names are under evaluation, but #LCFC would like to convince the 🇳🇱 manager as a priority. 🐓⚽ #Transfers pic.twitter.com/xsz3TT9q7P— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) November 24, 2024H...
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was happy scoring in their win at Leganes.Real won 3-0 on Sunday, with Mbappe opening the scoring on the night.He later told RMTV: "I started well, with rhythm with my teammates, in a different position. As I said the first day I arrived here, I can play in many different positions and I will play to give my best, it is the story of my career, I play on the right,...
Leicester City have confirmed they have sacked manager Steve Cooper. The 44-year-old took charge for the final time on. Saturday, with the Foxes beaten at home by Chelsea in the Premier League.He leaves with Leicester 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone after being promoted under Enzo Maresca last season.Steve Cooper after Leicester's 2-1 loss to Chelsea.In a released stat...
Ruben Amorim said Manchester United will have to "suffer for a long period" before his methods help the club enjoy success again after a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town denied the new head coach a debut win in his first game in charge.Marcus Rashford's opening goal after 81 seconds had given United a dream start at Portman Road, but Omari Hutchinson's equaliser sealed a point for Kieran McKenna's team an...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
- 1 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 2 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 3 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 4 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 5 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 6 Andy Robertson marks 80th Scotland cap with stoppage-time winner in Poland
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Daily Laugh - Antony and his latest ManUtd session
- 9 Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ unveiled
- 10 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits