Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Wimbledon
It’s another very important game for Vale and the possible return of a former defender to Vale Park… Read our brief guide to the action…
In the picture:
The story behind our choice of image we’ve chosen to lead the article with…
After a slow start to his Dons career, former Valiant Chris Robertson is now a regular for the Dons although he has missed the last couple of weeks of action.
A Micky Adams signing from Preston North End in 2013, Robertson spent two years in Burslem but without really establishing himself as a regular first-teamer.
He left Vale Park in 2015 and spent a spell with Ross County before moving to Wimbledon this summer.
Vale record: 67+4 games | 5 goals
The two sides
Port Vale
- Manager: Michael Brown
- Last match: 0-0 vs Milton Keynes (or Franchise as they are known)
- Top scorer: Alex Jones (10)
AFC Wimbledon
- Manager: Neal Ardley
- Last match: 3-1 vs Rochdale
- Top scorer: Lyle Taylor (14)
Match details
Venue:
Vale Park
Date:
1st April 2017
Pre-match thoughts
“We are going to go into the game on Saturday wanting to win, as professionals. That’s what you want to do, win games. Every game in this league is a tough game, no matter where you are in the league…”
Wimbledon player Dean Parrett says the side won’t be easing off on Saturday
Team news
Vale will wait on the fitness of Remie Streete with Andre Bikey (right) set to step in if Streete fails to make it. However, Vale are at least boosted by the return of Olamide Shopido after International duty. However, Callum Guy, Anthony De Freitas, Kjell Knops and Jerome Thomas are all ruled out.
Last time we met…
It was arguably one of the Vale’s poorest performances of the season as they slumped to a 4-0 defeat over the festive period. The highlights are above (if you dare…)
Overall record
Port Vale wins: 4
Port Vale losses: 9
Draws: 1
Form guide
Club connections
The most obvious playing connection between the two sides is legendary midfielder Robbie Earle who had distinguished with both clubs.
Other players to appear for both clubs include:
- Forward Sean Rigg
- Winger Kaid Mohamed
- Midfielder Billy Knott
- Striker Andy Clarke
- Defender Lee Harwood
- Midfielder Geoff Davies
- Striker Aidan Newhouse
- Defender Rhys Weston
Did you know…
- The first time Vale played Wimbledon FC was in 1978 when the Dons won 1-0.
- Vale won the return fixture 1-0 with Kenny Beech (right) scoring Vale’s first goal against the Dons.
- Port Vale have never won an away fixture against Wimbledon.
- However, Vale did win the last home game 3-0 thanks to goals from Lee Hughes and Ashley Vincent (2)