Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Colchester Utd
Can Port Vale continue their decent home form with a win over struggling Colchester United? We preview the action…
Port Vale
Manager: Rob Page
Last match: 1-1 vs Oldham Athletic
Form guide: D-D-L-W-D
Colchester United
Manager: Kevin Keen
Last match: 2-1 vs Bradford
Form guide: L-D-L-D-W
Team news
Vale expect AJ Leitch-Smith and Theo Robinson to be fit for selection despite slight injury scares during the week. Meanwhile, there is some debate over the make-up of the Vale central defensive partnership. There have been two consecutive penalties conceeded and fit-again Ryan Inniss is pushing for a recall.
For the visitors, veteran Darren Ambrose should retain his place following a brace at Valley Parade but striker Marvin Sordell (ankle) remains sidelined.
Pre-match thoughts
“It will be a tough game against a Colchester team who will be full of confidence from beating a good Bradford team. I have watched that game and it was an open game where Colchester got the ball down and tried to play…”
– Port Vale manager Rob Page
Last time we met
A goal from Colin Daniel was not enough as Port Vale lost 2-1 earlier in the season.
Overall record
- Vale wins: 19
- Colchester wins: 23
- Draws: 12
Port Vale’s recent record against Colchester: L-L-W-W-L
Vale’s last home win over Colchester was in 2014 when captain Doug Loft (above) scored both in a 2-0 victory.
Memorable match
The Valiants won an absolute thriller back in 2003. The Valiants were trailing 2-1 at the interval but hit back to win 4-3. The Vale goalscorers were Sam Collins, Billy Paynter, Ian Armstrong and Steve McPhee.
Played for both
Recent players to appear for both sides include defender Liam Chilvers, full-back Sam Stockley and Justin Richards.
Other players include midfielder Tony Kelly, forward Bobby Gough, defender Ray Harford, full-back David Raine and winger Winston White.
Trivia
The period from 2003 to 2004 was a poor one for both side;s defences. In three meetings, the games finished 4-1 to Colchester, 4-3 to the Vale and 4-1 to the Valiants. Midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (above) scored in two of the games.
More trivia
- The clubs first met competitively in the 1950-51 season. Both games that season ended in 1-1 draws.
- Stan Palk scored Vale’s first-ever goal against Colchester in 1950
- Vale had to wait until their seventh meeting to record a win – a 2-0 home win in 1958.
- It’s been ten years since there was a draw between the two teams.