Marc Richards (pictured), who has scored seven times already this season, has been on fire for Port Vale in recent weeks.

Along with former Oxford United striker Justin Richards, he has formed a really deadly partnership, the two bagging 12 goals between them so far.

Marc Richards hit a wonder volley in last Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Accrington Stanley, showing great technique because he was having to stretch as he struck the shot.

At the back, too, Vale have been very impressive.

Their 1-0 win over Shrewsbury in midweek was a fifth consecutive clean sheet for goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson, a new club record, making it 512 minutes since Vale last conceded a league goal.

Mind you, Tomlinson felt they had luck on their side as Shrews defender struck the inside of the post from close range late on.

“I think when you’re on a winning streak, like we are at the moment, you get things like the ball hitting the post and coming out,” he said.

“If we were on a losing streak that might have gone in, you just don't know. When you are winning, everything seems to go for you.”

Manager Micky Adams has warned: “We’ve got to protect our position and not get carried away. We’ve achieved nothing yet.”