Vale not feeling nervous at the top - Richards

Rico Richards (right) began his career with West Bromwich Albion where he made two first-team appearances before his move to Aston Villa

Port Vale striker Rico Richards says the League Two leaders are not feeling any nerves as their impressive early-season form continues.

Saturday's 3-2 win against AFC Wimbledon was Vale's fifth in a row and increased their lead at the top to four points.

Aston Villa loanee Richards, 21, was on target for the second successive game in Vale's victory and says he is enjoying playing under boss Darren Moore.

"Morale's high, we're all in form - the gaffer knows what he's doing," Richards told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It doesn't matter who we're playing, we're just getting rid of them - [exactly] what we need to do to get out of this league."

Promotion is something Richards has recent first-hand experience of, having been on loan at Stockport last season for their League Two title-winning campaign.

He said his time at Vale Park so far was reminding him of what he saw with the Hatters last term, when they had a league-record equalling 12 wins in a row before winning another eight in succession on their way to clinching the title.

"There's a lot of similarities," said Richards, who scored once in 11 appearances for Stockport.

"We all believe we can win. We're not really nervous going into each game - it's all about going to get the next win.

"It's all confidence and we're riding high."

After five appearances off the bench, Richards has rewarded Moore's decision to start him in the last two matches by scoring in each.

"It feels amazing - I feel good every time I step out on to the pitch," he said.

"The fans almost give you the push to get the goals."

Richards said he would "learn a lot" from the "exposure" he has been getting in games and added it was a "great experience for me being here and gelling with everyone".

But he was quick to point out that he must not let his concentration dip.

"I can't really do that as a young player. I need to focus on staying in the squad and doing well," Richards said.

"If I'm not doing that, then I'm not playing and we're not doing well. So it's really heads down and on to the next [game]."