Marc Richards missed six weeks of football with a thigh injury

Port Vale striker Marc Richards was relieved to score his first goal since November in the 2-1 win at Aldershot.

Prior to his goal at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, Richards had not found the net since scoring twice in a 5-0 victory at Stockport in November.

"It's been a while," the 28-year-old striker told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I should have had one a few minutes before that, but I managed to get on the end of Tom Pope's cross and I was delighted to see it go in the net."

Richards' goal added to an earlier strike from defender John McCombe and, despite a late rally from the home side, Vale held on for a much-needed victory.

It was the first time that the Vale skipper had started a game since 3 January after suffering a ruptured thigh muscle and he was pleased to complete the full 90 minutes.

"I came back a week earlier than expected and I was a bit cautious about it because I didn't want it to affect any later performances," added Richards, who has scored 15 goals this season.

"I'm delighted to have played 90 minutes and we were pleased to have taken three points."

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