Valiants can't afford to slip further adrift

THE festive programme is a vital one for Port Vale, not least for boss Darren Moore, starting against Peterborough on Saturday.

- PORT Vale writer CLIVE YOULTON

Moore has acknowledged the noise surrounding his position and he will insist this weekend’s League One clash is a big game only because it is the next one.

Deep down he will understand the significance of the clash.

Given the euphoria earlier in the season, surrounding the Arsenal game in particular, nobody at the club would have expected to be in the position they are now.

Moore has had the backing of the hierarchy and since then there has been a slight softening of stance from the fan-base after wins in the Vertu Trophy and FA Cup, followed by that spirited draw at Luton Town last Saturday.

The crowd were fully behind Moore and the team at Kenilworth Road and it stayed positive throughout.

But we all know that could change for the worse if Peterborough were to inflict further damage on Vale in Burslem.

Moore has always championed Vale Park “in full voice” as up there with the best and it can only be hoped he still thinks that after this weekend.