'We wanted to be positive, but in the first half we were hesitant...'

VALE started League One as though they had been shoved on stage, blinking in the spotlight and forgetting their lines.

- Michael Baggaley

The apparent stage fright cost them this game but they could still take plenty from the afternoon after showing plenty of resilience to go so close to the draw their comeback probably deserved.

They could have no complaints about being 2-0 down to goals from Sam Nombe on 13 and 29 minutes, and didn’t grumble about the decision to red card Jaheim Headley for a rash challenge on Nombe on 32.

A complete capitulation looked possible at that point but Vale took the game to their hosts, pulled a goal back through Connor Hall on the hour and looked the only side likely to score again even before Zak Jules was sent off for a second yellow on 77 minutes.

Funso Ojo, Ronan Curtis and Lorent Tolaj all went close - in Tolaj’s case desperately so as he hit the post - before they were applauded off by the 2,000 travelling supporters.

So, no points from the opening game but if Vale have got that first 30 minutes out of their system then we can take heart for the season.

WHAT A TRANSFORMATION