Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Newport
The Valiants need to rediscover their form – will they do so against Newport County this Saturday?
Essentials
Match details
Vale form guide
Vale’s top scorers
Predict the score
News
Match background
After yet another reverse – this time against Swindon Town, Vale are yet to win in 2018 (surely one of the most repeated “facts” of recent weeks).
However, at least the performance against promotion chasing Swindon gave some cause for hope that the elusive first three points of 2018 isn’t too far away.
Vale fans will be desperately hoping it’s on Saturday afternoon…
What will the Vale look like?
There’s still plenty of questions. Keepers Ryan Boot and Rob Lainton have been as shaky as each other so which one will Aspin opt for? Antony Kay is set to be missing for over a month so will that mean Danny Pugh starting in midfield and Cristian Montano (right) starting as left-back?
What about Ben Whitfield who scored an impressive goal for the reserves after being left out of the squad to face Swindon? Or even Dan Turner who marked his return from a loan spell with a goal for the reserves?
Pre-match quote
“At the moment, I’m not going to dress things up. We’re having a difficult spell, we’ve obviously got players who are not playing at their best. There is a lack of confidence and results when you’re not winning games. It’s difficult as a manager when you’re not winning games and of course you feel the pressure, because we’re all anxious to get that result.
“Until we get a win then that pressure will continue to build. We are desperate for a win but that desperation can’t come across in a game, you’ve got to do your jobs properly and we’ve got to cut out the mistakes we make at the moment…”
Neil Aspin
Boss watch
Michael Flynn
The 37 year-old former Newport midfielder was named caretaker in March 2017 and was made permanent boss in May later that year. He has now been in charge for over fifty games.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 19
- Port Vale losses: 9
- Draws: 11
Last time…
It finished 1-1 earlier in this season with striker Anton Forrester helping to secure a point for the Valiants.
The last time the clubs met in Burslem was way back in 1987 although it was a memorable occasion. Vale thrashed the visitors 6-1 with OVF editor Rob Fielding’s favourite Vale striker Andy Jones (right) hitting five goals.
He was to score in his next home game making it a mere nine goals in two home appearances. Phew!
Played for both…
Former Valiant Sean Rigg (right) has recently retired from playing for Newport County in order to take up a career as a tattoo artist.
Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:
- Midfielder Sam Foley
- Midfielder Tommy O’Sullivan
- Winger Kevin Kent
- Midfielder Ryan Burge