Two minute guide to Lincoln City versus Port Vale
Pressure is mounting on Neil Aspin as Port Vale take on a tricky away test against Lincoln City…
Pre-match newsdesk
The pressure is certainly on after the poor 4-1 home defeat to Oldham Athletic with questions being asked about manager Neil Aspin’s reign.
Changes can be expected after the Lincoln loss and Vale have already announced that Dan Turner (right) is eligible for the matchday squad. Turner could come in for Scott Quigley who has been recalled by parent club Blackpool.
Quotes
“I am not making excuses. The past month has been disastrous for us, and we have the toughest game probably to come . There is no point in hammering the players, we have to work with them and try to put out a team that at least will show pride and who will battle and scrap. If they do that then the supporters will support them.“
Port Vale manager Neil Aspin
“I think Port Vale will be our toughest game of the season. We’ve had two good wins at Vale Park but they have a very determined group of players, who will want to put those two results right. We’re expecting to see a wounded animal. I know Neil well – he’s a good man and a good manager – and he will have them fighting for the shirt. We have to make sure we match them in those areas.”
Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley
Man in charge
There’s no dispute that Danny Cowley has been a huge success at Lincoln and must now be attracting the interest of clubs further up the League ladder. Since joining in 2016 he has won promotion to the Football League and the Checkatrade Trophy final.
Stats and facts
After their two comprehensive wins this season, Lincoln have edged ahead with 33 wins to Vale’s 32. There have been 22 draws.
Clearly Vale’s recent record against the Imps is terrible with ten goals conceded this season and it’s not that great at Lincoln with Vale losing on the last two visits. Their last victory at Sincil Bank was in 2009 when Marc Richards and Louis Dodds (right) scored in a 2-1 win.
Featured connections
Vale could face former midfielder Michael O’Connor who joined Lincoln City in the summer. The former Northern Ireland International had a two-year spell in the Potteries.
Meanwhile, Louis Dodds could potentially face one of his former loan clubs if he is picked by the Valiants.
Crossing the lines
There are a large number of players who have played for both clubs in recent years including:
Defender Callum Howe
Goalkeeper Joe Anyon (right)
Winger Gareth Ainsworth
Striker Dany N’Guessan
Forward Theo Robinson