PORT Vale boss Micky Adams refused to blame Lee Hughes for a second-half incident which saw Town’s goalkeeping coach Fraser Digby sent to the stands during their 5-2 victory, writes Mike Benke.

As Vale striker Hughes went to retrieve the ball from the Swindon dugout for a throw-in, a scuffle broke out involving players and coaches in which Hughes appeared to kick out numerous times, receiving only a yellow card.

Adams said: “It was a silly error on the Swindon bench. Lee has gone to take a quick throw-in and their fellow kept the ball.

“He might say it went under his legs but it looked to me like he was trying to stop Lee taking a quick throw-in which is disappointing.

“I don’t think Lee can be held to account for that.”

The former Leicester City manager accepted the Robins deserved the win but felt his team were not at their best for most of the game, and also questioned the commitment of his players.

“There were some average performances there today but ultimately well done to Swindon,” he said.

“When they get on top they are a difficult side to play against but we allowed them to get on top and that was disappointing.

“The inconsistency of us has reared its ugly head again. From us looking a decent side last week our frailties were exposed today,” he said.

“We have to be on our game at all times, defend properly at all times and do the right things at all times otherwise we get punished because we are not good enough.

“Even when we get back to 3-2, we backed off and backed off and didn’t confront the lad who scores the fourth goal.

“We’ve not shown any real desire to defend properly and at this level if you don’t do that then you get punished.

“It’s back to the drawing board for us I’m afraid. Whilst the effort was there, and I’m not denying that because I’ve got an honest bunch of players, the desire to keep a clean sheet wasn’t.”