Two minute guide to: Aldershot Town
Providing the weather doesn’t intervene, the Valiants will travel to Aldershot this weekend. Here’s our brief guide to our next opponents.
The man in charge?
Former Vale loanee Dean Holdsworth has been in charge for 101 games, winning 36, losing 36 and drawing 29.
Recent form?
Mixed. The Shots ended a winless run of three games with a victory against Burton Albion. However, they have only won two of their last seven home games.
Last time we met?
The Valiants won 2-1 back in April thanks to a double from Louis Dodds. However, only three of that Vale starting line-up are likely to feature on Saturday.
Overall record?
Vale have won 25, just ahead of Aldershot’s 23 and there have been 13 draws. However, the Valiants are unbeaten in their last three visits to the EEB stadium.
Featured connection?
Guy Madjo, who could be a Vale player today, is still contracted to Aldershot but won’t figure in the game as he is on loan to Plymouth.
Madjo was all set to become a Valiant until the financial mismanagement of the previous board saw him and fellow loanees Liam Chilvers and Jennison Myrie-Williams (who have both ironically rejoined the Vale) return to their parent clubs.
Other connections?
Other players to appear for both sides include Clayton Fortune (two spells on loan at Vale), Martin Foyle (Vale legend), Les Lawrence (8 appearances for Vale from 1982 to 1983), Chris Allen (5 games on loan at Vale in 1999), Billy Easton, Andy Massey (on loan at Vale in 1984), Harry Roberts, Gilbert Glidden and William Allsop. Shots boss Dean Holdsworth had a spell on loan with Vale back in 1988.
Team news?
If Lee Hughes does sign for the Valiants, he will not be able to play as he will be starting a three match ban.
However, new loan signing Liam Chilvers is eligible to play for Vale but is likely to be a substitute.
The game is also too early for skipper Doug Loft, so Vale are likely to line-up with the same starting eleven that beat Bristol Rovers 4-0.
Defender Kevin Hector could make his debut for Aldershot Town after joining on loan from Reading this week. Doug Bergqvist and Jordan Roberts have returned from loan spells in non-league, but striker Craig Reid (knee) and Olly Lancashire (abdomen) are out.
Pre-match quotes
“They got a great result at Burton in midweek (a 1-0 win) and they’ll be buzzing from that. They’ll be fighting for a result and it will be another tough game for us. They want the three points as much as we do.”
– Ben Williamson
“Port Vale are playing well and have some good players. They have improved their situation off the pitch too but the most important thing for me is to be prepared for the challenge. We would do anything for a home performance.”
– Dean Holdsworth