Swansea drew another blank as they failed to end their winless run which now increases to 5. Other results in League One mean we only drop down to 2nd but today’s dismal performance provides even more reasons why Jackett needs to bring in a few faces in the transfer window.
We knocked Southend off the top when we beat them 2-1 at their place but after a run of bad results, Southend return to the top of League One after beating Blackpool 2-1 today.
As the half-way point of the season has been reached, it would be disappointing to see us slip up in the second half of the campaign. Judging by today?s performance, we need another striker, as we don?t have adequate backup when Trundle is missing.
Vale had a flurry of corners within the first few minutes which they had the chance to score but we finally got rid of the danger.
We looked as if we had no ideas when going forward and we simply couldn?t break down Vale?s stubborn defence.
With Trundle and Tudur-Jones both out injured, Forbes and Connor started up front whilst Akinfenwa was dropped to the bench. 
It seemed as though Vale had an extra man on the pitch from the start as our players were always pressurised by 2 or 3 opposition players and we struggled with this pressure throughout the game.
Forbes and Connor battled throughout the first half but we rarely created open opportunities on goal for them.
The Swans did produce good attacking move with a combination of passes but the end product was lacking from Forbes.
Vale had much more space counter attacking but very poor finishing was the reason the score stayed at 0-0.
Jackett made two changes at the start of the second half and rightly so. Akinfenwa, receiver of much criticism this week was brought on along with Goodfellow as McLeod and Forbes were brought off.
Neither Connor or Forbes were winning aerial challenges in the opening 45 minutes and Bayo did start to bring the ball down to feed other players but we still looked incapable of making an opening in front of goal.
Robinson was rather selfish and was trying to do things on his own on many occasions and we were making things awkward for each rather than doings things the easy way.
Goodfellow did add some pace to our attacks but he was far too central. Britton was the same in the first half but it looked as if he was told to stay wide and link up more with Tate for the next 45 minutes.
The referee was again truly awful as he missed a large number of fouls on Swansea players. Britton was booked after what looked like a foul on the little man but to the astonishment to the home fans, he received yellow for complaining to the official.
Iriekpen also limped off after 64 minutes as Austin replaced him, hopefully that?s not another player set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Goodfellow looked lightweight and was afraid to challenge for the ball and his weak shots were easily dealt with by their keeper. Akinfenwa didn?t have the pace to run on to promising through balls as chances were wasted.
Hopefully Jackett will bring in at least 2 quality players as we desperately need them judging by today. He said on Swansea Sound he is hoping to sign 1 of 4 strikers he?s looking at as well as a defensive midfielder.
12 Match Photos here
Player Ratings
Willy Gueret – 7
Dealt with everything thrown at him, which wasn’t much.
Ricketts – 5
Yet another quiet game from Sam, we’re not seeing him attack as well as he can do.
Monk – 6
Generally a solid game at the back.
Iriekpen – 7
Did well up until his injury.
Tate – 8
See star player.
McLeod – 5
Provided width and didn’t do to bad on the left but was rather slow.
Martinez – 6
Decent all round performance for Robbie.
Britton – 7
100% effort as always by Britton but he was coming into the centre too often, giving space to Vale on the left.
Robinson – 5
Tried to do things by himself and was rather selfish at times.
Connor – 7
Like Britton, 100% effort. However not brilliant in front of goal but he had a decent game.
