George Pilkington has been a revelation since breaking into the Port Vale side which is making a promising late run for a play-off spot in the Second Division. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with the Vale defender after a very important home victory against promotion rivals Bristol City.
Q:
A BIG GAME AND A BIG WIN?
A:
Yes, very much so. We knew we needed three points to keep in touch. We now picked up seven points from the last nine so we are keeping in contention.
Q:
IT'S NOW IMPORTANT TO KEEP THAT RUN GOING?
A:
Yes, I think we are at the make or break stage of the season. Last week against Barnsley in the swirling wind and rain it was a test of technique and we got a hard earned point but with Bristol and then Swindon coming up we knew that our season would be make or break.
Q:
WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF THE TEAM?
A:
We have a small squad but that is really the strength because we know each so well and we all stick together which is important when you get to this stage of the season needing results.
Q:
YOU'RE FEELING PRETTY CONFIDENT THEN?
A:
Yes. It is still very much in our own hands and this win is a massive win, especially against a team in the same area of the table. It means that we get closer to them and puts a little more pressure on all the teams in and around us.
Q:
DO YOU NEED TO IMPROVE YOUR AWAY FORM THOUGH?
A:
Yes, and we know that we need to get some results away from home if we are to get into the play-offs and we believe that we are dealing with that side of things. Having said that it is important to win our home games too.
Q:
AN EVENTFUL FIRST SEASON FOR YOU, PERSONALLY?
A:
Definitely. I have been given my chance and would like to say that I have tried to take it. Since I have got into the team I have tried to do the right things as a defender and have kept my place at a time when we are coming to such a vital stage of the season. It is my first full season and I am enjoying it.
Q:
THERE ARE A LOT OF PLAYERS WHOSE CONTRACTS ARE UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON. WHAT AFFECT DOES SOMETHING LIKE THAT HAVE ON THE CLUB?
A:
Well, it is important to keep hold of your best players and it gives the players a bit of security as well. To progress you have to retain the best players and hopefully we can do that.
Q:
SO WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE SEASON THEN?
A:
I feel we are good enough to get into the play-offs. There is a much of a much-ness in this division and the important thing is not to dwell on a setback but to get on and move onto the next game. But we are in a position where we are on a bit of a run, which we needed to do, and hopefully we can carry it on until the end of the season.
