Five conclusions as Huddersfield Town hammer Port Vale

A commanding performance from the Terriers and an abysmal showing from the visitors culminated in Town’s biggest victory for nearly ten years

1. Winning 5-0 is good

We have to start by acknowledging that Port Vale were rancid. They were by far the worst side we have seen in this division this campaign. But let’s give some credit where it’s due.

This was Town’s biggest margin of victory in a competitive men’s game since David Wagner’s side won by the same scoreline against Charlton in January 2016.

Port Vale haven’t been in the habit of getting trounced, either. Most of their defeats this season have been by a single goal.

But this could barely have been more comprehensive. It was a job essentially done before half-time and put beyond any doubt before the hour.

The visitors made things easy, particularly for the first two goals. They invited Leo Castledine to run at them and then showed him where to put his simple finish. Next, they let Ryan Ledson break free on a set-piece to flick Marcus Harness’ cross past the goalkeeper.

As enjoyable as that volleyed back-heel was, there was better to come. Everyone played their part, but Town’s two most in-form players — Castledine and Bojan Radulovic — ran the show once again.

Radulovic was borderline unplayable for a spell either side of the break. He showed great instincts to follow up after Castledine’s deflected shot was pushed back into the box for him to finish off.

The centre-forward then showed off his wits, vision and technique to release Sean Roughan on a clinical counter-attack that was converted by Alfie May.

Still, the fifth goal was the pick of the lot. Another swift change of pace culminated in Castledine playing a sumptuous one-two off Radulovic before curling an unstoppable ball into the top corner.

Port Vale could barely have put up any less resistance. Even so, Town would have beaten almost anyone in this division playing with this kind of confidence and verve.