Vale better than league position suggests - Moore

Port Vale manager Darren Moore calls for more ruthlessness in front of goal

Darren Moore insists Port Vale's perilous league position does not give a true reflection of where they are as a side with just under a third of the season gone.

A chastening 3-0 defeat by League One pacesetters Stockport County on Monday left Vale in the final relegation place in 21st place with just three wins from their first 14 matches.

But Moore told BBC Radio Stoke there is enough quality in his squad to start moving in the right direction if they can start finishing the chances created.

"The boys are not showing a real true reflection in terms of where we're at," said Moore. "Defensively this season we've been fine – really, really good – so to give soft goals away was the most disappointing part.

"We had two glorious chances in the first 10 minutes but we didn't capitalise on them and we've got to demand more from ourselves in terms of when we get into those positions."

Moore conceded Vale would have needed a "flawless" performance against a side who he believes could be heading to the Championship next season.

"I don't think you will see a team more of a complete package than them," he said. "They really are a good team and have continued where they have left off last season.

"We almost needed a flawless display against this lot here because they are a top, top team. But the group will certainly learn from that."

Port Vale have a chance to get back to winning ways, after two draws and two defeats in their last four games, when they host Isthmian League North side Maldon & Tiptree in the first round of the FA Cup on Sunday.