Darrell Clarke hails ‘professional’ Barnsley win on return to Port Vale

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke praised the professionalism of his side after they booked their place in the second round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win over his former club Port Vale.

Goals from Marc Roberts and Davis Keillor-Dunn were added to by substitute Adam Phillips’ coolly-taken penalty to secure victory for Clarke on his return to Vale Park, while Ronan Curtis replied for the Valiants.

The win for the Tykes, eighth in League One, brings an end to League Two leaders Vale’s run of five straight wins and 11 matches unbeaten overall.

“It was always going to be a tough game against a team that have won their last five games and are flying high in League Two,” Clarke said.

“But we were very professional in the way we went about our business.

“We raised it 10 to 15 per cent in the second half, scored a really good second goal, sealed it with a third and then saw the game out comfortably, so it’s been a pleasing afternoon for us.

“We just focus on making sure our performance for 95 minutes, whoever scores first, is fully committed and hopefully (includes) some quality moments that we produced today.”

Vale boss Darren Moore felt the tie was closer than the final scoreline suggested.

“I didn’t think it was a 3-1 game,” he said.

“I spoke to the boys afterwards and I said it’s just the small details that have let us down really in terms of that concentration.

“And I thought in and out of possession, there’s just the small details. But up to an hour to 65 minutes, I was really, really impressed with the group.

“Certainly, as a manager, I’ve taken a lot from the game in terms of where my group of players is at. We looked at the game today and it was a real good test for us, but a good test for (the players) in terms of where we are mentally.”