Former boss has the last laugh as Valiants exit cup...

PORT Vale’s interest in the FA Cup ended early at the hands of a familiar face.

- CLIVE YOULTON

FORMER Port Vale defender Adam Yates was surprised that Ruari Paton didn’t take part in Port Vale’s win against AFC Wimbledon.

Speaking on BBC Radio Stoke, Yate admitted that the fact Paton didn’t get a sniff of the action didn’t sit comfortably with him.

He did acknowledge that manager Darren Moore was doing a good job of man-management.

Speaking about another five changes to the starting line-up on BBC Radio Stoke, Yates said: “It’s remarkable. You've got lads who are not even involved who were part of that winning side on Tuesday night [Harrogate]. I think the big question for me at the start of the season was how would Darren Moore keep everyone on side. “And keep the momentum once they get going and he’s managing to do it. But I have to say I am conscious about wondering how long that can last because there can’t be players putting in good performances and winning games and be out of the team the week after. So it’s going to be a difficult job for him but at the moment Port Vale are sitting rosily at the top of the league.”

That was the answer to the critics. Who could possibly criticise the strategy when the team were winning?

Another ex-Valiant and BBC summariser, the legendary Phil Sproson, was happy to eulogise about the virtues of teenager Jack Shorrock.