Lee Sinnott was pleased with what was a good workout against Tommy Widdrington et el following a tough week for his players down at the RAF camp in Uxbridge.

The Vale boss had been keen for the players to take part in a bonding session in the week and is was clear to see what effect it had on the squad during the game against Salisbury City.

He was keen to play down his team selection before the game, warning that we shouldn't read too much into things and start to guess his starting eleven for August 9^th.

Ale were very quick out of the blocks, going in front with under two minutes on the clock when Kyle Perry controlled a ball from Sam Stockley, turning to hit a superb left footed half volley inside the keeper's right hand post .

Griffith, on the halfway line, knocked the ball out wide to Stockley. Spotting the forward run from Dave Howland, Stockley played the ball forward quickly to feet.

The lively Howland played a quick one-two on the edge of the box with Richards and looked like he was about to pull the trigger, when he cleverly pulled the ball back into the path of Richards who slotted home from 8 yards.

Vale could have easily added another before the break when a close range effort from Richards was blocked by the 'keeper, the ball ran loose to Perry who mis-hit his shot, and Howland managed to get his head on it, only to see the ball come back off the crossbar.

The home side made eight changes at half time, and the introduction of fresh legs began to cause Vale a few problems, which on the whole they managed to deal with well.

Perry had a goal ruled out after chesting the ball down and running through on goal and calmly stroking the ball past Bittner, but the referee ruled the goal out for a handball.

As the half went on, Vale made a few changes. Chris Tadrosse came on for Luke Prosser, Shane Tudor for Simon Richman, and after Glover had been booked after a particularly strong challenge, he too was substituted, being replaced by James Lawrie.

There was also the welcome sight of the first appearance for Steve Thompson who has now recovered from a slight hamstring injury. He came on for Perry with 14 minutes left on the clock.

Anyon had to be on his toes when he sprinted off his line to block a close-range shot from Matthew Tubbs as the home side pushed Vale back for a short spell.

Vale made a final substitution with six minutes remaining when Richards was rested and replaced by Ross Davidson.

It had been a good test for a Vale side against a decent Salisbury side who had asked questions of their own. Vale looked to have the answers most of the time, and moved one step closer to what the manager will be looking for in three weeks time.

Vale line-up: Joe Anyon, Sam Stockley, John McCombe, Chris Slater, Luke Prosser, Simon Richman, Anthony Griffith, David Howland, Kyle Perry, Danny Glover, Marc Richards. Subs: Chris Taddrosse, Chris Martin, Shane Tudor, James Lawrie, Steve Thompson, Ross Davidson, Luke Chapman, Danny Edwards, Paul Dixon.

Final score: Salisbury City 1 Port Vale 3