THIS was a confident performance, professional, with even a hint of a swagger - and that was just Peter Jackson! The team combined these same attributes with sound organisation, skill and a determination to win.

After watching some poor away performances in recent years I readily admit to being somewhat apprehensive about how we would perform, painful memories of that April 5-1 thrashing coming to mind! On Saturday, it was apparent from the start that this day was going to be something different.

In an eerily empty Vale Park, less than a third full despite an excellent 1,000 contingent from Huddersfield, the game began quietly.

Aware of Port Vale's excellent home record, Town concentrated on settling down to a good rhythm and taking the sting out of the Valiants' early attacks. Playing passing football we safely reached half-time without any significant alarms.

In the second half Huddersfield moved up a gear and the goals started to come, all three were quality conversions by Pawel Abbott. The first and third goals followed good build-up play while the second was a result of what Vale's official website pithily described as `comedy defending.'

Instrumental in many of the creative moves was Chris Brandon, who combined penetrative running with some beautiful passing and the ability to make himself available in space. A hat trick ensured Abbott the Man of the Match but Brandon, who worked tirelessly, ran him close and Danny Schofield was another success.

Our defence looked sure footed throughout, well marshalled by Efe Sodje until he went off injured.

By then, Town were in total command, playing controlled football with insouciance.

Jackson got tactics spot on and if we can continue the form shown in the last two games then there is no team in this division whom we should fear.

Bring on the Tykes!