Darren Moore was encouraged by Port Vale’s performance in their goalless home draw against Cheltenham despite seeing their winless run continue.
Vale are now without a victory in eight League Two games stretching back to mid-November but they showed a vast improvement on Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Grimsby.
“The main thing today was the performance,” said Moore, whose side are fifth in the table, a point behind third-placed Salford.
“I think we all agree the last time the team was away from home, it wasn’t a performance we associate with a Vale football team.
“What we’ve seen today was fight, grit and determination, which epitomises the Vale supporters and what they want to see from their team.
“The players showed that commitment today and through that, it presented some chances and the only thing missing was that little bit of composure in the final third.”
Moore also praised goalkeeper Ben Amos, who was picked ahead of Connor Ripley as one of seven changes from the team that faced Grimsby.
“To keep a clean sheet was pleasing and it’ll do Ben Amos the world of good, pulling off a wonderful save,” he said.
Moore’s side last won in League Two on November 16 and they were unable to find a way past Cheltenham, who failed to score away from home for the first time in the league this season.
Both teams had chances, with Joe Day keeping out Vale forward Lorent Tolaj’s header in the ninth minute before Joel Colwill forced Amos into two saves with well-struck drives.
Kyle John fired wide from a good position for Vale and Ronan Curtis was denied by Day after he was played in on goal, with Tolaj’s overhead kick on the rebound dropping wide.
Mid-table Cheltenham threatened in the second half, with Amos blocking Jordan Thomas’ effort and Luke Young’s low shot deflected just wide after a corner routine.
Day parried Curtis’ attempt after good play from Rico Richards on the right before Amos distinguished himself again by turning Sam Stubbs’ header from Young’s free-kick onto the bar and over with 16 minutes remaining.
Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn felt his team were the better side, but he was also delighted with a clean sheet after conceding five at home to Notts County on Sunday.
“I think we were the better team and Sam Stubbs should score the header,” he said.
“I know it’s a good save, but he should score from where he is. It was a lot less entertaining than Sunday.
“I would have taken that today, 0-0, because it goes to show what they need to do for the duration of the game to snuff out teams, against a good team like Port Vale.
“They are head and shoulders above us budget wise and my players, I am so proud of my players. That is a solid point for us.”
