Horsfield happy with Vale response

Port Vale`s 2-1 victory over Burton was "just what the doctor ordered", according to caretaker manager Geoff Horsfield. Vale`s promotion charge had gone off the rails over the past week - losing 3-0 at Gillingham, with boss Micky Adams heavily linked to the managerial post at Sheffield United. Before then going down 5-0 at Rotherham - the club`s heaviest league defeat of the season - in what was the first game after Adams parted ways to take the reins at Bramall Lane. But the Valiants got back on track thanks to two early goals from John McCombe and Justin Richards, ensuring Shaun Harrad`s 60th-minute effort proved little more than consolation. And Horsfield, taking charge of team affairs alongside Mark Grew, said: "It's been a traumatic time for the players and their heads have been all over the place with Micky Adams' departure, but that response was just what the doctor ordered. "There can be no excuses for losing so heavily at Rotherham on Saturday, but that was the worst these players have performed in the 18 months I've been here and I expect it to be a one-off. "The players have been great in training over the past couple of days and we sensed they were ready to go again. They didn't let us down because they showed great endeavour and commitment and looked proud to wear the Vale shirt. These players are good enough to win promotion and hopefully this performance will sweep what has happened under the carpet."

Source: PA