Club captain George Ray says that the perfect tonic for getting over our derby defeat to Port Vale will be to get back on a mini unbeaten run. The Alex were unbeaten at home and unbeaten in three games going into Saturday’s game but a Leon Legge header saw that abruptly end to our nearest rivals.

Ray says that defeat is always doubly worse when it comes in a local derby but he stresses that we have to get it out of our system as quickly as possible.

Ray told iFollow the Alex: “We didn’t have the best of weekends. It is an awful feeling to lose and it is doubly worse when it comes in a local derby.

“If I am honest I didn’t think we deserved anything out of the game. I watched it back on Saturday night when I got in and first half we were alright without creating too many chances and in the second half, we have whacked it up there.

“I often watch it back when we lose because it gives you a different perspective and you can see where it went wrong. It is important to do that and I thought in that second half, Port Vale looked the more likely side to score and they did.”

George says it is vital that we move on quickly and put on a more footballing performance against Manchester City’s youngsters this evening.

“My mindset is always the same. I want to win. We want to win tonight and get through. People will say this cup isn’t important or whatever but as a player you want to play well, win the game and build some momentum.

“They will have some class players and will be no mugs. It will be a difficult game but one we want to win and then take that into the Notts County game on Saturday.”

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