Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Bury
It’s the return of a certain striker to Vale Park as Michael Brown’s side take on Bury on Friday night…
In the picture:
The story behind our choice of image we’ve chosen to lead the article with…
Well, it was an obvious one but this game will probably see Tom Pope return to Vale Park for the second time since his move to Bury in 2015.
Pope’s Vale career peaked with his stunning efforts during Vale’s 2013 promotion season with the striker hitting thirty three goals. However, the move up a division did not hinder his efforts with Pope scoring a creditable sixteen the following season and twelve the following campaign.
However, with the striker reportedly on a large contract, Vale offered the forward a paycut and Pope decided to move to Bury where he has continued to find the back of the net on a regular basis. At time of writing, Pope has thirteen goals in 68 appearances for the Shakers including six this season
Vale career: 183 games | 66 goals
The two sides
Port Vale
- Manager: Michael Brown (caretaker)
- Last match: 0-4 vs Huddersfield (FAC)
- Top scorer: Alex Jones (9)
Bury
- Manager: Chris Brass
- Last match: 5-1 vs Peterborough
- Top scorer: James Vaughan (14)
Match details
Venue:
Vale Park
Date:
20th January 2017
Tickets:
Online Port Vale ticketing website
Pre-match thoughts
Vale team news
There are several issues for Michael Brown to consider. Is Jak Alnwick fit to resume in goal or will Ryan Boot (right) come in for his debut? Is Remie Streete fit to play in central defence? Who will play upfront now that loanee Tyler Walker has joined fit-again Anton Forrester and the returning JJ Hooper?
We’ll have to wait and see…
Last time we met…
Bruno Ribeiro’s side were thrashed 4-1 earlier in the season. Vale’s only consolation was a goal for defender Nathan Smith.
Overall record
Port Vale wins: 26
Port Vale losses: 31
Draws: 21
Form guide
Club connections
Aside from Tom Pope there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. Those players include…
- Goalkeeper Chris Neal (right)
- Defender Freddie Veseli
- Defender Sam Collins
- Defender Peter Clarke
- Midfielder Kevin Young
- Defender Peter Swan
- Forward Ronnie Jepson
Did you know…
- The two sides first met in 1894 with Vale losing 2-1.
- Vale had to wait until 1921 for their first win over Bury.
- In 1921, Vale lost the first game 5-2 and won the return 5-2!
- Even more oddly the two 1921 fixtures occurred on consecutive weekends.
