Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Stevenage
Next up for Port Vale is a FA Cup tie against Stevenage and arguably a must-win game for the Valiants.
In the picture:
The story behind our choice of image we’ve chosen to lead the article with…
Our top image shows Louis Dodds celebrating Vale’s last cup goal against Stevenage. It came in a 1-0 televised FA Cup replay win back in 2009. The first game had finished 1-1 with Charlie Griffin scoring a last-minute equaliser for the visitors.
The two sides
Port Vale
- Manager: Bruno Ribeiro
- Last match: 1-3 vs Bolton
- Top scorer: Alex Jones (8)
Stevenage
- Manager: Darren Sarll
- Last match: 2-1 vs Mansfield
- Top scorer: Godden, Walker (4)
Match details
Venue:
Vale Park
Date:
5th November 2016
Tickets:
Details of the cut price ticket offer are here
Pre-match thoughts
Vale team news
Vale have problems upfront with Anton Forrester and Alex Jones injured while Dan Turner is cup-tied. It means that Rigino Cicilia (right) and Martin Paterson are the club’s only fit forwards.
Manager Bruno Ribeiro could make other changes after the defeat to Bolton on Saturday. Joint captain Ben Purkiss could be fit to make his return.
Last time we met…
The two teams last met back in 2014 when it finished in a 1-1 draw. Tom Pope put Vale ahead on 48 minutes but Peter Hartley equalised thirteen minutes later.
Overall record
Port Vale wins: 1
Port Vale losses: 2
Draws: 3
Form guide
Club connections
Darren Murphy (right) had one of the more unfortunate Vale careers of recent years. After 40 appearances for Stevenage he was released in 2o12 and was signed by Vale during a summer of turmoil. The club had not exited administration as expected and he was one of a group of players to keep faith with the side and honour his contract.
However, Murphy was unable to make any impact on the pitch. He initially struggled with hamstring problems and finally made his full debut in October. However, in November, he lasted just minutes after coming on a substitute and his Vale career was over after just 75 minutes of action. He was released by mutual consent in January.
Vale appearances: 3 games | 0 goals
Port Vale midfielder Anthony Grant (right) will also be facing a former club after spending a season with Stevenage back in 2012-13.
Other players to appear for both clubs include:
- Jennison Myrie-Williams
- Guy Madjo
- Jay O’Shea
- Justin Richards
- Jordan Slew
- Steve Guppy
Did you know…
- The two sides first met in that FA Cup tie in 2009
- The Valiants have failed to win in the last four meetings
- Tom Pope (right) has scored the most Vale goals (two) against Stevenage.