Port Vale boss Darren Moore felt his side did not show enough composure in a “frantic” contest against Carlisle United

On a windy afternoon at Vale Park, Moore’s team, which was still in second place in the standings, was unable to defeat the Cumbrians, who were in 24th place.

The home manager also acknowledged that the game required more composure than was actually the case.

Moore remarked, “It seemed to me on the field that both teams were playing a really frantic game.”

There were numerous transitions, numerous ball giveaways by both teams, and ultimately, neither team was able to capitalize in the final third.

“Since we were the home team, it’s probably more of a frustration with us,” I told the players, adding that the biggest thing I would have liked to have understood at the time was some of our decision-making when it simply called for a little more poise and relaxation.

“Especially when we got into the final third, it just seemed that it was all rushed and a bit frantic.

However, we made sure we didn’t lose the game by ending the year here at home. Another spotless record.

“We have an opportunity to win the game whenever it is 0-0, so we must move on, take what we can from it, and make sure we keep it up.”

Some home fans booed at both half-time and full-time as Vale came up short against the Cumbrians.

That was in contrast to the 661 travelling fans who gave United vocal backing all game.

“I don’t mind it,” said Moore of the reaction, “because it means that there’s hope in the place and there’s more hope in the team.

“I take that as a compliment. The Vale fans know that there’s more to come from the team and what we have to do is find that performance to give them.”

Moore also suggested visiting sides like Carlisle are now coming to Vale Park with a more defensive mindset, given his own team’s qualities.

We are finding that opposition are changing tack against us – they are trying to condense us, sitting deep and getting men behind the ball.

“That’s because they need the result as well and sometimes I take it as a compliment for us in terms of where we are and what we have to do to find ways around it.”

Moore stated that he anticipates Bradford City, Port Vale’s next opponent on Boxing Day, to be more offensively inclined than Carlisle.

“With a team that will attack us right away, it’s a different game [than this one],” he continued.

“Whereas [here], we faced a team—and rightfully so—who were trying to play their football to try and counterattack us at the pitch and make sure they didn’t give much away.”