Two minute guide to Port Vale versus Middlesbrough B
Our brand new two minute guide looks ahead to Port Vale’s second Checkatrade Trophy clash
Not our favourite contest…
OK, so first off, let’s be clear about something. We are completely against the introduction of B sides into this competition. As our piece from a while back stated it’s called the FOOTBALL LEAGUE Trophy for a reason…
Pre-match talking points
After that awful home defeat to Lincoln City, Port Vale are sure to ring the changes and see if any squad players are pressing for inclusion.
The Vale team could include Ricky Miller (right) upfront as he scored in the last Trophy game and is banned for the next League game. This could be the chance to give Miller more game time before he’s ruled out of action once again.
Goalkeeper Sam Hornby could also resume between the sticks while Louis Dodds may get another chance to impress. Defender James Gibbons and Luke Joyce are in contention but striker Tom Pope will not be risked.
It’s also worth noting that this game is available to watch online through the iFollow service.
Quotes
“You try and get the players up for training, there’s no good being down. Yes they’re disappointed but we’ve got a game tomorrow night against Middlesbrough and we need to have a response….
“From my point of view you’ve got to move on. If we’re beaten 1-0 it’s the same result, yes it hurts and Neil takes everything to heart but we all feel the result. We’re all disappointed”
Port Vale assistant manager Lee Nogan
Last time we met…
If we take the senior Boro side rather than the U23 then the last meeting was in 1998 when Vale lost 1-0 at home. Forward Paul Merson scored the winner for the visitors in the second minute.
Featured connection
With Neil Aspin in charge at Vale Park how about a look at his long-time defensive partner Dean Glover who played for both clubs? Glover started his career at Aston Villa before moving to Boro for £60,000 in 1987. He made 61 appearances, scoring seven times before moving the Vale.
The transfer to the Valiants was quite a dramatic move at the time. Vale were pushing for promotion but were suffering injuries to first-choice defenders Phil Sproson and Bob Hazel. John Rudge acted fast paying a club record £200,000 to prise Glover from Middlesbrough and pairing him initially with £70,000 buy Gary West.
In the summer of 1989 he was joined by Aspin and the pair formed a partnership which persisted for most of John Rudge’s reign. Aspin made 410 appearances and Glover made 431. Both men went on to manage the club.