Vale boss turns tide after talk with Ben
PORT VALE’S outside play-off hopes flickered back into life in the sunshine after a ‘gentle word’ from boss Micky Adams.
Adams, who has learned to live with constant speculation about his job, reminded Ben Williamson of his own qualities and saw the striker net a fine individual goal to turn the tide against Carlisle.
Defeat was a hammer blow for Graham Kavanagh’s struggling side that had emerged from their defensive shell to strongly threaten a second goal just before Vale’s strike force blasted two in four game-changing minutes.
“I don’t think Ben knows how good he is – so I had a gentle word,” said Adams.“We needed to up the tempo and with Ben running the channels for us, it turned the game.
“Chris Neal’s save at 1-0 kept us in it.
“I was just about to make a triple substitution before we equalised.
“The speculation will continue. I had it every week when I was at Fulham when they were tipping Kevin Keegan for my job – and he got it.
“It’s just chip paper as far as I’m concerned.
“It will take a good manager to take over from me.”
A deflected Jennison Myrie-Williams shot and Williamson’s off target header from Jack Grimmer’s cross were as close as Vale got to gaining a meaningful reward for a dominant first 30 minutes.
Instead Carlisle emerged from their shell to create the half’s best chance, then take the lead within 60 seconds. Neal turned aside lone striker Lee Miller’s 38th minute shot only to be beaten when the impressive James Berrett’s free kick was headed meatily at the far post by defender Courtney MeppenWalker.
Neal made crucial stops from Danny Redmond and Liam Noble shots when both were well placed inside the box before Williamson cut inside to drill past Jordan Pickford from 19 yards. Jennison Myrie Williams went desperately close and Pope won it with a fine far post header – all in a decisive flurry.
Another fierce Pope header blocked by Pickford was the closest to a further goal as Vale ended the 90 minutes having fully regained control.
The Carlisle manager said:“I was pleased for Courtney (MeppenWalter) as we spoke about his need to hit the target when he goes forward.
“But not scoring a second goal cost us.We need to be more clinical.
“We also need to defend better in key situations. I was disappointed we became disjoined after going behind.”