Vale were held to a second consecutive goalless draw yesterday at Cheltenham Town, and have now failed to win any of their last five competitive games. October has not been a good month for us to say the least. We do, however, remain in second place, so lets not get into too much of a panic.
What has happened to us this month? The rampaging Vale of August and September, dominating everyone who we met, has inexplicibly disappeared, replaced by a shadow of the side who took League 2 by storm. We've been rumbled. We have one creative outlet - Gary Roberts - and currently no quality on the wings. It seems that the penny has dropped for our opponents, stifle Roberts in midfield and you cut off the supply to our strikers.
We had the better of the game yesterday, and had the chances to win - Justin Richards squandering the best opportunity. Defensively we still look solid, which is a blessing, as we are presently looking toothless in attack.
Next Saturday is a big game, home to Crewe Alexandra, who have found some form and started banging in goals, although they are still leaky at the back. It should be an intriguing contest, and we'll want to avenge last seasons home defeat to hte trainspotters which came courtesy of a baffling penalty decision from the ref.
We desperately need some inspiration to come from somewhere. Micky Adams has been told that the funds are available for loan signings, and every Vale fan will want to see a winger and a striker come in before next weekend. We need goals.