Two minute guide to Port Vale v Crawley
Our latest two minute guide looks at Port Vale’s second home league fixture of the season…
Pre-match talking points
It has been a chastening time for the Valiants after two poor performances against Colchester United and Lincoln City. The two results plus doubts over Tom Pope’s fitness mean that the identity of Port Vale’s starting eleven is pretty much anyone’s guess. If Pope is fit he should be expected to start while Antony Kay was a rare success in the Lincoln loss. Villa loanee Mitchell Clark may also come into the reckoning.
Crawley lost 2-1 to Bristol Rovers in their midweek cup game and to rub salt into their wounds sub Dominic Poleon was sent-off which makes him illegible for the game against the Valiants.
Quotes
“Nobody wants to go out and play badly, and certainly nobody wants to go and struggle in a game, it would be ridiculous to do that. I know that the players out there want to do well for the club, but some of them are inexperienced at this level and they need encouragement. So, I think whenever we have a game at home, we have to give the players a chance by giving them as much support as possible…”
Port Vale manager Neil Aspin
“There were obviously mistakes out there , but it’s good that we have a game coming up on Saturday now. You can’t be too negative, I think the manager’s thoughts are looking forward to the Crawley game….”
Port Vale veteran Antony Kay
“We know the last two performances and results have certainly not been what we expected. We still think there is some good in there, but unfortunately we are showing a real soft underbelly which needs to be ironed out quickly…”
Port Vale coach Gary Brabin
Man in charge
39 year-old former Liverpool and Leeds player Harry Kewell was appointed manager in 2017. His competitive first game (against the Vale) ended in defeat but since then he has produced seventeen wins from 51 games in charge.
Featured connection
Forgotten striker Tyrone Barnett has had spells with both clubs. Barnett is currently transfer-listed and not included in the Port Vale match squad. He was signed by former manager Michael Brown on a two-year contract in 2017. Prior to his move to Vale Park, Barnett played 26 times (scoring 13 goals) for Crawley in 2011.
Trivia
- Crawley’s record attendance at Broadfield stadium is 5,880 on Saturday 5 January 2013 when they hosted Reading in the FA Cup.
- The club’s highest position is tenth in League One achieved in 2013