Port Vale facing striking shortage for Stevenage tie
Port Vale could be down to their last two recognised strikers for the crucial FA Cup game against Stevenage on Saturday.
Anton Forrester and Alex Jones could both miss the match through injury while youngster Dan Turner is cup-tied having played in a previous round while on loan with Kidsgrove Athletic.
It leaves the Vale with Martin Paterson and Rigino Cicilia as the club’s remaining available forwards.
However, the situation is less critical if Bruno Ribeiro continues with his tactics of playing one upfront. The likes of Jerome Thomas, Chris Mbamba, Sam Kelly and Gezim Shalaj can all provide support to a lone frontman from the flanks.
Ribeiro’s decision to persist with one upfront has received criticism from fans with many feeling Vale would have a greater goal threat if they played two upfront. However, with only two forwards available the “one upfront” tactic is likely to continue on Saturay afternoon.