The Valiants took the points thanks to Onel Hernandez, who scored at the end of the first half.

And, although it was only their second league defeat in 10, Webb was brutally honest in his assessment.

“It wasn’t great,” he said. “It’s hard to find any positives when you’ve lost, we’ve come off disappointed, we lost to a really poor goal and never really looked like scoring. Port Vale defended their box with ease when it came in and, fair play to them, they were well organised and well set up.

“The goal obviously gave them something to hold on to and, as much as we had 66, 67 per cent of the possession, it really doesn’t mean anything if you don’t put the ball in the back of the goal.

“With so many supporters travelling it’s ever so disappointing that we’re leaving without a point.

“Let’s get it right, possession is lovely to look at when you win but when you’re losing it makes you feel even more frustrated when you can’t put the ball in the back of the net.

“These are the times where you do look forward to a game on Tuesday. It’s really the angriest I’ve seen the manager (Paul Cook) for a long time. It’s been too stop-start so we’re glad there’s one coming on Tuesday. Sometimes you welcome a break over the week, but we’re certainly looking forward to getting back at it.”

Vale manager Jon Brady was thrilled with the victory and, though it was far from easy on the eye, praised his squad’s determination against the usually free-scoring Spireites.

“I think they’re the best footballing side in the league,” he said. “We’d talked pre-match that their front four have got 13 goals between them already and for us to reduce them to minimal efforts on target, and from distance, was good.

“It was that type of game where we controlled some of the play but not enough, we were up against a side that absolutely dominates the ball and it turned into a game where we broke more in the second half.

“We’d had better control in the first half but sometimes you’ve got to win ugly – I felt that was an ugly win but it shows that the boys are really digging in for each other and it shows the togetherness of the group.

“I think the players are feeling more connected and believing in each other, and believing in their own abilities as well. We’re in a positive mindset at the moment and we’re in a good rhythm.

“I’m glad to give that to our home fans, our home form is incredibly strong but now we’ve got to try to pick up some points away from home on Tuesday night. It’ll be extremely tough but that’s what we’ve got to do.”