IT'S A MISERABLE TIME FOR VALE ON THE ROAD

PORT

- Clive Youlton

Vale's plight in League One is deteriorating rapidly as they were comprehensively thrashed 5-0 at Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day in embarrassing fashion.Darren Moore's side have now been sunk 12 times this season in 21 matches and they remain at the foot of the table on 15 points.

The last time Vale won in the league was in Yorkshire, against Barnsley back on September 27, but they were unable to repeat the feat on their return to the county and that win seems like an age ago.

This was their 11th league game without a victory and was a desperate day for everyone concerned with the club as Moore faced more chants from angry fans who want him sacked.

Frankly, some of Moore's players looked out of their depth at this level in crucial areas of the pitch and their inferior quality was clear.

The defending was inept against this level of opposition and they ended the day a staggering 10 points adrift of safety.

Moore made three changes to the starting lineup from the 1-0 defeat to Peterborough and it involved reverting back to playing a defensive central three with Mitch Clark and Jaheim Headley flanking them.

Out went injured Connor Hall as well as Ryan Croasdale, who was dropped to the bench, and Ruari Paton.

In came Cameron Humphreys, Jesse Debrah and George Byers, with the midfielder returning from injury and a boost for Moore as the playmaker in the side.

There was a return to the bench for Dajaune Brown, who missed the Peterborough game with a knock, but there was no room for Ben Lomax who was left out.

There was no sign of Ben Garrity, while Jordan Gabriel, Liam Gordon, Kyle John, Funso Ojo and Marvin Johnson remained out injured.