Two minute guide to Cheltenham Town versus Port Vale
Can Port Vale end their awful recent form with a welcome away win?
Askey looks to the wings (and a prayer)
There’s good news for David Worrall (right) and Cristian Montano with the duo set to be recalled after promising performances as subs on Tuesday. Vale manager John Askey praised the second-half performance and gave a hint that he would line up in a 4-4-2 formation on Saturday. Meanwhile goalscorer Ben Whitfield has said confidence is still high among the players despite the poor run.
Protests continue against Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite
Discontented Port Vale fans continue to protest against the way the club is being run by Norman Smurthwaite. After the announcement of protests by the official Port Vale Supporters club the Black and Gold group reformed and relaunched their website with a host of questions about the Vale owner. Meanwhile, there were peaceful protests before both of the last two home games.
Whitfield says confidence is still high
“The confidence is always high in the changing rooms, there’s no negativity in there. Obviously, after the game people have words to each other and they get told what they need to hear. We come in the next day and we watch it back. We need to put right what we’ve done wrong, but now the positivity needs to show on the pitch. We can’t look at other teams, we need to win our games. If they’re losing then brilliant, but we need to take each game as it comes…”
Port Vale forward Ben Whitfield
“We have to keep moving onto the next game. If we get three points in the next game, we move on to the following one. We can’t worry about what other teams are doing. If we start to hope people lose we’re asking for trouble. We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves and getting the three points. If we get enough wins then we’ll be fine…”
Port Vale manager John Askey
Time for a change (of wallet)?
Are you like us and always struggling to fit a bulky wallet into your pocket?
Well, if you want something practical for matchdays you may want to visit our friends at Kinzd. They have a superb Napa Leather Minimalist Slim Wallet available for a bargain price.
It’s just the thing to take with you on Port Vale away days…
Cheltenham hold a narrow lead historically
There have only been 17 meetings between the two sides. Cheltenham have won six to Vale’s five. The good news for the Valiants is that they have lost just once in the last five meetings. The last time the two sides met was earlier this season when a last-minute strike from Anthony Kay (right) earned Vale a 2-2 home draw.
Tough for Duff in first managerial role
Former Cheltenham and Burnley defender Michael Duff is in his first managerial role having been appointed in September 2018. He has been in charge for 33 games with a 33% win ratio.
Brown to face Robins
Goalkeeper Scott Brown faces a side where he spent nine years of his playing career. Brown made 282 appearances for the Robins.
Former Vale youth teamer Charlie Raglan (right) could face his former club. Raglan spent a loan spell with Vale last season and is now on loan at Cheltenham for the rest of the season.
Another former Valiant, striker Tyrone Barnett is set to miss the match after being ruled out with an Achilles injury.
Crossing the lines…
Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:
- Defender Ryann Inniss
- Winger Ashley Vincent (right)
- Winger Jennison Myrie-Williams
- Winger Kaid Mohamed
- Defender Keith Lowe