Port Vale must stay resilient in survival bid - Hall

Port Vale defender George Hall in action Shutterstock

George Hall joined Port Vale from Birmingham City last summer

Dan WheelerBBC Sport, West Midlands and Phil BowersBBC Radio Stoke

Port Vale midfielder George Hall says the squad have to stay resilient and mentally strong despite the pressure of games running out in their League One relegation battle.

Bottom-of-the-table Vale missed the chance to close the gap to safety to single figures as Tuesday's defeat by Doncaster Rovers left them still 11 points adrift.

They still have two games in hand on Blackpool and the team in the final safe spot Exeter City, with both clubs on 42 points.

Hall told BBC Radio Stoke the squad know results have to start coming with only nine matches remaining.

"[There are] not too many games left now, so every game feels massive," he said.

"It's a bit disappointing we couldn't at least come away with something. Obviously we know the situation we're in so we know that the games are running out."

Elijah Campbell's first-half own goal at the Keepmoat Stadium was enough to condemn Vale to a 20th league defeat of the season and meant they were unable to build on Saturday's excellent win over Bolton Wanderers.

"I think that's been our main thing - just the consistency," Hall, 21, added.

"Obviously, a great performance the other day and then [we] come here and it's not so great.

"I think that's something that we've had a struggle with all season and we're still trying to trying to make it right."

Vale, currently in a run of 12 games in 43 days, go to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday (15:00 GMT) before diverting attention back to the FA Cup and their eagerly-anticipated trip to Chelsea in the fifth round on 4 April.

Seven more games come next month before leaders Lincoln City visit Vale Park on the final day of the season on Saturday, 2 May.

"You've got to be resilient and pick your head up every game," Hall said.

"It's difficult when you're not winning games just to keep mentally focused but I've just learned just to keep going and move on from each game, learn and just keep working hard.

"I think there's pressure every game and we know where we are so nothing changes. We're just going with the same mentality of winning every game."