BARROW manager Stephen Clemence stated that his team had no greater incentive to defeat Port Vale after their derby-day loss at Carlisle last week.
The Bluebirds, who were playing well, defeated Darren Moore’s Vale twice in a two-week period, the first time being in the Carabao Cup first round.
And it was a triumph that left a legacy. Ten minutes into the second half, Ged Garner gave the home team the lead. Emile Acquah, Kian Spence, and Dom Telford then launched a triple assault in the last fifteen minutes to complete the victory at Holker Street.
“Derby games are usually really tight affairs, and people are definitely more afraid of losing them at any level—I’ve personally played in some pretty significant ones.
“I’ve admitted that we came out on the wrong side and didn’t create enough last week, but I didn’t think we were outplayed.”However, I thought the game would be excellent if we showed up and performed anything like we could [against Vale], and that’s exactly how it has worked out.
“However, I wasn’t using last week as motivation; instead, it was about what we do each week and how we try to harm our opponents, and it succeeded today.”
“It is always vital to score the first goal in any division, and we were fortunate to do so. After that, we scored quite a few goals, which is always pleasing to do in front of the home crowd. I hope it lifts their spirits after last week.
“I’ll take it, but I didn’t think it was a 4-0 game.” I believed that this season’s two teams will challenge everyone.
It came down to who blinked first. At the break, I told them that all we had to do was score the first goal to send them home, and we succeeded.
The sole blemish on the Bluebirds’ record since Clemence took over is their loss against Carlisle, but otherwise, they have had a strong start to the season.
Clemence was most pleased with the variety of scorers, as four different players were recorded.
During his tenure at Newport, Telford was a prolific marksman who broke a frustrating drought that dated back to November.
“I’m incredibly happy for each and every goal scorer and the boys who got the assists,” added Clemence.
“It was a whole squad effort. Everybody contributed and you can’t ask for anything else than for the guys who come off the bench to make an impact.
“It’s a good day for us. But that’s all it is. It’s three points and we have to move on from it and head towards a big game on Tuesday now.
“You have to earn the right to play and be successful in this division and we did exactly that.
“Everybody has to contribute. Paul (Farman) has made a very good save and played his part in a big result.”
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