Two minute guide to: Accrington
We take a quick look at Tuesday night’s opponents – Accrington – with another of OVF’s two minute guides to the opposition.
Man in charge
After John Coleman’s 13 year reign came to an end in 2012, the club turned to Paul Cook. Former Wolves, Wigan and Tranmere midfielder Cook has been in charge for twenty games, winning four, drawing five and losing eleven.
Man to watch
Vale’s defenders will need to be aware of rookie forward Karl Sheppard, who is on loan from Reading. The Irish forward was prolific for Gallway Utd and Shamrock Rovers and has already netted his first goal for Accrington.
The last time we met
Vale secured a 2-2 draw at the Crown Ground stadium back in March 2012. Vale’s goals came from John McCombe and Chris Shuker with Will Hatfield scoring an 89th minute equaliser for the home side.
Overall record
The two sides have met 21 times with Vale winning 11, Accrington winning five and there have been five draws.
Featured connection
John Durnin is one of a select band of players to appear for both clubs. Durnin was a veteran, aged 36, when he was signed by Vale boss Brian Horton. The move proved a decent one with Durnin staying for a further 18 months in a playing and coaching capacity. He then moved on to Accrington where he played until retiring, aged 39, in 2004.
Connections
Other players to appear for both clubs include Joe Barr, Harry Anders, Sean Doherty and Mark Boyd.
The build-up
Both sides boast 100% league records, although with the season just one game old, it’s very early days. What is certain is that one or both of the sides will lose that 100% record by the end of Tuesday night.
Micky Adams told the Sentinel that he is a little concerned about Vale’s lack of physical presence and that may prompt him to make changes. Adams said: “One thing that stuck out for me when we played Burnley is that we are a bit of a small side, and I’m fearful of conceding goals from set-pieces like we did against them.”
That could be good news for new signing Darren Murphy, who is yet to feature in the side. Murphy is the most physical central midfielder on Vale’s books but after suffering a pre-season injury he has been an unused substitute so far as Adams prefers the likes of Morsy, Shuker and Burge.
Meanwhile, Accrington boss Paul Cook is still looking to bring in reinforcements despite the side’s winning start to the season. Cook told the Lancashire Telegraph that: “There are still one or two more signings coming in, which is great for the club. It will be an exciting signing or two and will take our age a little bit up as well. We’re in the loan market as well.”
Team news
Vale are expected to be unchanged for the match with Louis Dodds (right) continuing upfront with Tom Pope. Gareth Owen and Rob Taylor are both close to full fitness, but the pair could miss out on making Vale’s matchday squad.
Dean Winnard and Padraig Amond are pushing for starts as Accrington manager Paul Cook considers shuffling his pack.
Pre-match quotes
“Accrington and Morecambe are two sides who, on their day, are capable of beating anybody, particularly on their own patch. We won’t take them lightly and we’ll approach the games in a professional manner.” – Micky Adams
Trivia
An Accrington FC football club was formed in 1876, the same year as Port Vale’s supposed formation. But Accrington was dissolved in 1893 due to financial woes. The club was reformed later that year following a meeting at the Stanley Working Man’s Club, from which the “Stanley” part of their name derives.
