Port Vale assistant manager Andy Crosby is keen for his side to continue their good form when they host Leyton Orient on Saturday. Second placed Orient arrive at Vale Park unbeaten in six and the 48 year old highlights that the crowd could prove crictical. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “the backing has been great so far, they have a massive role to play in the results even more so at home. We know the difficulty on Saturday and the know the important role of the fans”.

Vale Sit in fourth place on 15 points – one behind Orient

Four wins in last five league games

Vale made it three straight wins after a 1-0 away win at Scunthorpe last weekend courtesy of a Ben Garrity’s strike. Manager Darrell Clarke was delighted with the victory stating to port-vale.co.uk “we had to defend well on occasions but we create enough chances ourselves and I’m delighted with the team and work ethic to get the clean sheet. You have to dig in away from home at times”.

Saturday’s victory moved Vale up to fourth in League Two but despite three victories on the spin, Clarke was keen to remain grounded and keep everybody level headed. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “people need to relax, I get frustrated when people get carried away. It’s a good win, an away win, that’s all it is. We know how quickly you can go on good runs aswell as bad ones, they key is to remain grounded and keep consistent with the work”.

70% of Vale’s goals have been scored in the first half

Midfielder Tom Pett is relishing his deeper role in midfield and is enjoying life under Clarke. Pett who played the majoirty of his career further forward has formed a relationship with Tom Conlon and Ben Garrity in midfield. After a slow start, Pett feels his side are starting to grow and admitted they knew it would take time. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “we said at the start of the season it will take time to gel and understand each other’s games. Thankfully it’s starting to show in games and hopefully it continues”.

Clarke brought in 15 players in the summer transfer window

After back to back clean sheets, Crosby is keen to point out the importance of every player to keep the ball out of the net. Vale have already kept five clean sheets so far in the league and will be looking to make it six against Orient. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “the clean sheet has to be as important to the center forward as the goal keeper. If they don’t do their job at the top end of the pitch then the pressure builds back to the midfield, defence then the goalkeeper. We have found a way at the moment and there is a real desire to collectively as an 11 to keep the ball out of the net, however it needs to be done”.

Only Tranmere (6) have kept more clean sheets in league

Kept three clean sheets in four home league games this season

Vale have already beaten two of the current top three after victories oevr Forest Green (2-0) and Harrogate (2-0) in recent weeks. Clarke’s men will not be fazed by the arrival of Orient at Vale Park on Saturday with Crosby stating to port-vale.co.uk “Orient have started off really well, they have a really experienced group of players and management team. We know what different challenge it will be to what we have faced in the last few weeks. If we can nullify their strengths, can they nullify ours?”

Head to Head – Port Vale 34, Draw 10, Leyton Orient 19