Maidenhead get a break – but Vale face possible fixture headache
The Vanarama National League have handed Vale’s Cup opponents Maidenhead United a fixture boost ahead of their replay with the Valiants.
Vale’s FA Cup replay was moved to Thursday evening in order to be shown on BT Sport and as a result it means that both sides could face fixture congestion.
It gives Vale a run of four games in ten games…
However, the media in Maidenhead have reported that: “The Vanarama National League Board has agreed to postpone the Magpies’ home match against Dartford on Saturday. Maidenhead United requested the league match be moved to another date in the season after their FA Cup first round replay against Port Vale was switched to Thursday night to be televised live on BT Sport.
“The club said last night the league’s board had kindly agreed to postpone the fixture and it will be rearranged for later in the season.”
It means that Maidenhead avoid a run of three games in six days and can no doubt concentrate fully on their replay game.
However, Vale’s fixtures have not been postponed or moved and so the club now faces the prospect of an away fixture at Maidenhead on Thursday, a home game against Chesterfield on Saturday, a further home game against Blackpool on Tuesday evening and a trip to Rochdale on the Saturday. It gives Vale a run of four games in ten games.
There will no doubt be much crossing of fingers that Thursday’s game involves no extra time and that key players do not pick up injuries ahead of an extremely busy period of football action for Rob Page’s team.