Adams happy with Vale response

Micky Adams was pleased after Port Vale bounced back from a midweek mauling at Bristol City with 1-1 draw at Stevenage.

Adams suffered abuse from some Vale fans after Tuesday night's 5-0 defeat to the Robins and said he would consider his future post-match at Ashton Gate. But Tom Pope's goal, which was cancelled out by Peter Hartley's header, saw Vale return home with a point. "We can feel good about ourselves after the disappointment of Bristol City on Tuesday night," said Adams. "I thought we defended a lot better than I've seen for a while. We knew coming to Stevenage that we'd have to stand up and be counted. "I think we had enough chances and got into enough areas to have caused them a few more problems. I'm pleased with the commitment of the side, we stood up to the physical bombardment that we got. "We took the lead deservedly with a great goal. It was a great ball in from Birchy (Chris Birchall) and well finished by Pope. "After that I felt we were on top of them, causing some problems. But I was disappointed that we've conceded another goal from a set-piece." The most significant moment of a poor first half was Bira Dembele's raised elbow on Pope, which brought a yellow card for the Boro defender. "I thought the referee had a major decision to make and I think he took the easy option," said Adams. "They took him off at half-time which tells you that it probably should have been a sending off." Vale were ahead when Pope nodded home his 12th League One goal of the season after 48 minutes. Hartley, who replaced Dembele, headed home Luke Freeman's free-kick to level the scores after 61 minutes but Boro remain bottom of the table.