Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Forest Green Rovers
It really goes without saying that the Valiants are desperate for a win – here’s our guide to Vale’s next league game…
Essentials
Match details
- Football League
- Saturday 16th September
- Vale Park
Team news
What will the Vale look like?
It is likely that Michael Tonge (right) will return to the Vale midfield while defender Tom Anderson could also continue in central defence after doing OK against Luton Town. Rob Lainton, Cristian Montano and Anton Forrester remain long-term absentees.
What about the opposition?
Mark Cooper looks set to name an unchanged team following a 1-0 midweek home defeat against Lincoln. Centre-back Manny Monthe, who missed the game with toothache, is expected to feature among the substitutes at Vale Park.
Pre-match quote
“We’re not fools. We can see what’s going on. All we’re doing at the moment is supporting the manager and his players. Everyone else is speculating…”
Port Vale CEO Colin Garlick
Boss watch
Mark Cooper
Cooper began his managerial career with Tamworth in 2004. His highlights include winning promotion with Kettering Town, the Football League Trophy with Darlington, leading Swindon Town to the play-off finals and securing promotion for Forest Green last season. His lowpoints include a one match second spell with Kettering, an unsavoury falling out with Lincoln City last season and bringing in Exodus Geohaghon as his first Peterborough signing.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 1
- Port Vale losses: 0
- Draws: 0
Last time we…
The last time we met Forest Green in a competitive match (and indeed the only time) was an FA Cup clash in 2012. It ended in a dramatic 3-2 win for Vale thanks to goals from Ashley Vincent, Clayton McDonald and Ben Williamson.
Some images from our visit are below:
Classic clash
Here’s that very game…
Played for both…
Defender Lee Collins (right) could well play against the Vale this weekend.
Other players to appear for both clubs include:
- Forward Sean Rigg
- Winger Lewis Haldane
- Winger Kaid Mohamed
- Defender George Pilkington
- Defender Liam Burns
- Midfielder Craig Rocastle
- Striker Lee Hughes