A much improved performance from the boys, and although the game ended in defeat against a Port Vale side that had won their opening fixture, Manager Stuart Delaney was pleased with the overall effort of his charges.

The home side took the lead in the first half with Steven Murty equalising for the Young Hatters with a nice left foot strike into the corner. After the young Valiants had taken the lead again, Andy Graham levelled again with a neat diving header.

With our boys on top in the run up to half time, two penalty decisions changed the face of the game - one given, one not. After what appeared to be a blatant penalty in favour of our boys was ignored, the home team went straight up to the other end of the field and were awarded a penalty for a very innocuous looking challenge, and with the kick converted the half time whistle blew.

In fairness to the young County team, they didn't let the decisions get them down and they took charge of the second half, and were still looking for a late equaliser when they fell for the sucker punch of a late breakaway as Vale hit a fourth goal to clinch the points.

Delaney stated after the game: "It was pleasing that the boys never gave up throughout the game. It was a great effort, with much improvement all round, and but for a couple of defensive lapses, which the boys will learn from, the attitude of the boys will definitely see results improve over the coming weeks".

The boys have a training game against a local college team this week as they prepare for a local derby against Macclesfield Town on Saturday morning at Manor Farm.