Liam Dickinson hopes to be heading for success with Southend United

Dickinson bagged his ninth goal of the season as Blues moved up to second in the League Two table.

And the striker was particularly pleased to have finally found the net with his head.

“I think the last header I scored before this was about a year and a half ago, so I’m really pleased to have got another one at last,” said the 26-year-old.

“I know that’s something people could’ve criticised me for because I’m tall and I should get more goals in the air, so hopefully I can start to do it more often now.”

Dickinson’s effort came inbetween a header from Mark Phillips and an own goal from Vale defender Gareth Owen.

And the win delighted the forward, who was full of praise for his team-mates.

“I thought we were great for the whole 90 minutes,” said Dickinson.

“The gaffer had been stressing to us all week how important it was for us to put pressure on Port Vale high up the pitch and that’s exactly what we did.

“We didn’t take out foot off the pedal once and the plan was for us to work hard and tire them out, which I think worked well.”

The success of the game plan also delighted Blues boss Paul Sturrock as his side secured their first home win in the league since early November.

“I’m very pleased to have got back on the rails again,” said Sturrock.

“From the very first minute we were on the front foot and chased everything down.

“We were in their faces all over the pitch, we competed for everything and I think the first goal gave everyone a bit more confidence.”

Vale also had defender Clayton McDonald sent off for two bookable offences midway through the second half before the game fizzled out.

“In all honesty after the own goal and the red card it was a non-event,” said Sturrock.

“But we stuck to the task and gave everyone 90 minutes because there were people out there who needed it.”

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO