Two minute guide to: Burton Albion
Vale take on Burton Albion on Friday night in what could be one of the most important games of the season. OVF takes a brief look at the Vale’s opponents.
Any other business?
Vale have reduced ticket prices to 1994 levels to commemorate the 1993-1994 promotion season. Members of that squad and the victorious Autoglass Trophy Final team will be at the ground on Friday night. Here are some links to recall those glory days:
Promotion in 1994
Read our match report of the win over Brighton that sealed promotion in 1994
The Autoglass trophy final
Man in charge?
Former Derby defender Gary Rowett took over in March 2012 and has impressed, taking the Brewers into promotion contention. His record stands at 25 wins, 25 draws and 20 losses.
Last time we met?
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw back in October. Jordan Chappell gave the home side a 73rd minute lead only for Ben Williamson (right) to equalise two minutes later.
Overall record?
The two sides have met six times. Vale have won three, Burton have won one and there have been three draws.
Connections
Players from both sides could be facing their former clubs. Stuart Tomlinson will line-up against Vale (more about him in a moment) and Adam Yates had a spell at Burton earlier in his career. In previous years, winger Marc Goodfellow, midfielder Danny Holmes and striker Lee Glover have played for both sides.
Featured connection
Stuart Tomlinson (right) should make his second appearance against the Valiants since leaving the club in the summer.
Tomlinson made 79 starts (plus two sub appearances) for the Valiants but his place in Vale history is assured thanks to two short tweets – “Awesome events on the team bus” and “Someone has left the bus” which broke the notorious Jim Gannon “busgate” story.
Team news
Vale have doubts about widemen Jennison Myrie-Williams and Rob Taylor. If the duo don’t make it, Chris Birchall and Chris Shuker (right) could take the wing roles.
Louis Dodds and Lee Hughes are also in contention to make the starting eleven.
Albion have problems upfront with Billy Kee facing a late fitness test while Calvin Zola and Michael Symes remain injury doubts. Robbie Weir is suspended.
Pre-match quotes
“I really don’t see this game as pivotal. That’s genuinely how I feel. We’ve not talked about tonight’s game in those terms and I’m not just saying it to take the pressure off the players.”
– Gary Rowett
“It’s a big game,” he said. “If we get a positive result it would put us seven points ahead of them and with a far better goal difference.”
– Chris Neal
“It’s a big game for us, but we can’t go out looking to win the game in the first five minutes. It’s a 90-minute game and if we win it in the 89th, then I’ll be happy.”
– Doug Loft