Season is not over for Port Vale, says Mark Grew

Port Vale lost for the first time under Mark Grew at Chesterfield on Saturday

Caretaker manager Mark Grew says Port Vale have not given up hope of reaching the League Two play-offs, despite dropping out of the top seven.

Vale lost 2-0 at runaway leaders Chesterfield on Saturday, a result that leaves them ninth in the table.

"I've told the lads that the season's not over," Grew told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I know the results haven't gone for us. Until it's mathematically impossible you've got to keep battling and that's what we'll do."

Chesterfield striker Jack Lester netted just after half-time and winger Deane Smalley completed the victory for the home side, who remain 11 points clear at the top.

"I'm disappointed with the way the goals were conceded," added Grew, who lost his unbeaten record as Vale's caretaker manager.

"We've told them this week that the biggest threat is from crosses into the box. The goals are stoppable if people do their jobs."

Vale, who have six matches left to play, are only one point outside the play-off places and still have to face three of the teams [Wycombe, Stevenage and Torquay] currently above them in the table.

Grew also said he is hopeful that defender Gareth Owen will be fit for Vale's next match at home to Southend on 9 April.

Owen missed the defeat at Chesterfield with a hamstring problem and will be assessed in training throughout the week.