Two minute guide to Port Vale v Mansfield Town
Can Port Vale finally break their home hoodoo? Here’s our preview of the weekend action…
Protests at Vale Park
There were will be a number of protests against Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite at this game, the official Port Vale Supporters Club have announced. They include a red card protest during the game, a boycott of refreshment kiosks and a black and gold protest after the match.
Bidders still interested
Meanwhile, potential new owners Synectics Solutions say they are still interested in buying the club but not at the price which owner Smurthwaite apparently wants. In an interview with the Sentinel, they explained that they would encourage supporters to own or part-own the Vale Park stadium.
Conlon thinks Vale will give Mansfield problems
“Mansfield are doing well to be fair to them, but in this league anyone can beat anyone. If we apply ourselves like we did on Saturday with the amount of high intensity running we did, I think we’ll give them real problems. We do desperately need a win at home and we all know that. The point at Notts County was a platform, but we really want to build on that, with the best way being by picking up three points at home. I thought we were solid on Saturday and we were so together, everyone was on it. From now on until the end of the season, every game is massive so we need to continue applying ourselves like that…”
Port Vale midfielder Tom Conlon
“To sell that many tickets is brilliant. We had the offers on at the One Call and a lot of people took advantage of that and we’ve repaid them with three good results at home. We’ve got to make sure we represent those fans and that the 900-1,000 fans that go to Port Vale see the best of us and that we commit to everything we do, as the players have been doing all week…”
Mansfield manager David Flitcroft
Vale have the lead historically
Over the years, Port Vale have a distinct advantage with twenty one wins to sixteen. However, it’s a different story in recent meetings with Mansfield unbeaten in the last four games. Vale’s last scorer was Tom Pope (right) who scored in a 1-1 draw last season. The last Vale home win was back in 2002 when the Valiants triumphed 4-2.
Flitcroft in charge of Stags
Former Bury and Swindon Town manager David Flitcroft was appointed as Mansfield manager in March 2018. Flitcroft has been in charge for 55 games with an impressive 41% win ratio.
A clutch of former Valiants could face Vale
Mansfield have three former Vale loanees in their ranks. Veteran forward Craig Davies (right) was a big success during his time at Vale Park. Tyler Walker and Will Atkinson’s spells were shorter but all three will surely be motivated to impress against their former club.
Crossing the lines…
Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:
- Winger Colin Daniel (right)
- Defender Ritchie Sutton
- Defender George Pilkington
- Forward Louis Briscoe
- Defender Lee Collins
- Midfielder Gary Roberts
- Forward Calvin Andrew