Two minute guide to: Newcastle Town
Vale’s second friendly game of the summer is the annual trip to Newcastle Town and OVF briefly previews the action.
Match details…
It’s a 2:30pm kick-off on Sunday at the Aspire Stadium for one of Vale’s most popular pre-season friendly games.
Last time we met…
On July 22nd 2012, Port Vale continued their 100% start to their friendly campaign with a 2-0 win over Newcastle Town. Vale’s goals came from Tom Pope and Ben Williamson (right) making it fifteen goals for Vale in three games against non-league sides.
Team news…
Vale are expected to give most members of their squad a run-out in the game. However, Dan Jones may miss out again after an ankle injury, Lee Hughes may be rested and it isn’t known if new signing Chris Lines will feature.
Connections…
There have been a number of former Vale players who have made appearances for Town. Amongst them are – Anthony Malbon, who spent a spell on loan at Newcastle in 2011, legendary midfielder Ray Walker (right) managed the side in 1997, while right-backs Trevor Brissett (RIP) and Bradley Sandeman, left-back Neil Griffiths and midfielder Paul Donnelly also had spells with the club.
What they say…
These pre-season games are often tricky as teams like Norton and Newcastle are out to beat us as we’re the Football League club. So we’ve got to go out with the right attitude, do things properly, get game time, a feel for ball and hopefully a couple of wins.”
– Vale captain Doug Loft
Trivia
Newcastle played in one of the last cup ties at Stoke City’s old Victoria Ground. A tremendous run saw Town reach the first round in 1996 and the home game against Notts County was switched to Stoke’s stadium. Town unfortunately lost the match. A year later the atmospheric Victoria Ground was no more as it was replaced by the Britannia stadium.