Port Vale manager Jim Gannon defends team selection

Gannon has not tasted victory in five games as Port Vale boss

Port Vale manager Jim Gannon has defended his team selection in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Lincoln.

Gannon opted to start Exodus Geohaghon alongside Anthony Griffith in midfield, with Justin Richards a lone striker and new arrival Tom Pope on the bench.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "In the period that Exodus Geohaghon was on the pitch we looked like we wouldn't concede.

"I couldn't leave him out and I couldn't leave Anthony Griffith out because he's been our best player."

Richards was supported by Gary Roberts, who returned to the Vale side after serving a two-match ban.

Pope, who has joined Vale on loan from Rotherham, made his Vale debut from the bench, replacing Geohaghan.

Former Stockport boss Gannon continued: "Everybody wants to see Gary Roberts play, so who do I leave out? I didn't have a difficult decision."

Ashley Grimes' late winner stretched Vale's winless run to five games since Gannon was appointed as Micky Adams' successor on 6 January.

"I'm disappointed with the result and I've asked the lads to talk about their contribution to the game," said Gannon.

"Six or seven of them thought they played well and contributed, and three or four thought they didn't. Six or seven players isn't enough to get wins."