Vale 'can cope' in League One despite tough start

Darren Moore steered Port Vale to automatic promotion to League One in 2024-25

Port Vale boss Darren Moore says his side have shown they can cope with League One despite their difficult start serving as a "stark reality" that they have stepped up a level.

Vale, in 23rd place, are yet to win on their return to the third tier, having drawn two and lost four of their first six games.

But their four defeats have all been by a one-goal margin, with the 2-1 loss against Stevenage coming after Vale had been 1-0 up with two minutes to go.

Moore says he has seen enough in those half-a-dozen games to be confident they will start climbing the table.

"I think we've identified that we can cope at the level, I think that's there for all to see," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"What we have to do is cut out the basic, elementary lapses of concentration and probably be more ruthless and convert the chances."

Moore oversaw the arrival of 12 new players during the transfer window and, although Rico Richards has since been loaned out to Walsall, he said he "likes what I see" when he looks at his options in the squad.

Moore added that Vale can "get to work" now the window is closed and build on the positives from the first nine games in all competitions, including three cup victories - among them an impressive Carabao Cup win at Championship side Birmingham.

"From the start of the season there has been a clear intent from us to impose ourselves on games - which we have done," Moore said.

"But there's moments where there's individual decision-making that you hope bring you that reward.

"For whatever reason, whether it's our fault or not our fault, at the time we've not been able to solidify that in terms of getting the points on the board.

"The performances have been there but the points have not really followed in the fashion we would've wanted.

"But we have to keep performing in the manner we have been and believe that win, those points, are not too far away."

League One a 'wonderful challenge'

Vale's eight goals so far, with half coming in the 4-1 win over Leeds United's under-21 side in the Vertu Trophy this week, have all come from different players.

Moore said it was "natural" for attention to fall on the strikers when goals are hard to come by but underscored the fact that everyone needs to contribute.

"It's important that everybody's chipping in - whether that's from open play or set-plays," he said.

"At the front end of the pitch we have got some good attacking options and we feel we're getting into threatening positions - it's just getting that final contact."

Vale's quest for a first league win continues against last season's play-off finalists Leyton Orient on Saturday at Vale Park.

Moore says the match, following Vale's 1-0 defeat by recent Championship side Reading, shows the levels now expected of his side.

"Every week it's never the same blueprint," Moore said.

"The level of quality of player is different but it's where we've worked hard to get to.

"We've showed levels of competitiveness - we've had moments in the games - but we've also had moments where we've switched off and seen the quality of the opposition has punished us.

"Those can only serve as timely reminders, and a stark reality, that we've made a step up but it's a wonderful challenge."