Can Port Vale go one better than their Leyton Orient performance and bring home all three points from their visit to Macclesfield Town on Saturday?
Team news
Team newsThe Valiants will be boosted by the return of influential full-back James Gibbons (right) from suspension. Gibbons is likely to return at right-back replacing new signing Will Atkinson. Atkinson, who made his full debut in the 3-1 win over Morecambe was praised for his performance and is likely to start in central midfield. Tom Pope is likely to continue upfront after his brace against Morecambe and the forward was in bullish form this week, attacking his critics on social media. However, Pope will need to be on top form as there are a number of players chasing his place upfront including Jordan Archer and Rhys Brown who both impressed for the Reserves.
Other news
Other newsThe Valiants and Leyton Orient have both received FA fines after their was trouble on the pitch during their match. Vale were fined £1,750 while Orient received a fine of £2,000. Meanwhile, winger Cristian Montano (right) has bravely spoken out about his mental health issues as the club marked the Football League’s Mental Health awareness day.
Stats
StatsThe last meeting which took place a few weeks ago ended in a memorable 3-2 away win for the Vale in the Football League Trophy. The Vale goals were scored by debutant Scott Burgess, Jake Taylor and striker Richie Bennett (right).
Vale’s last League win at Macclesfield came back in 2010. It ended 3-0 with goals from Marc Richards (2) and Sean Rigg.
The overall record between the two sides is seven Port Vale wins, two draws and five Macclesfield wins.
Opposition Guide
Former Ebbsfleet manager Daryl McMahon took over as manager following the departure of Sol Campbell. He has won two of his twelve games in charge. He is assisted by Danny Whitaker who will be well known to Vale fans. Macc also boast former Valiants Theo Vassell and Jak McCourt in their squad. The club’s top-scorer is Theo Archibald who has four goals in all competition.
Connections
ConnectionsWhere to begin with this? There are a whole host of players to appear for both clubs including midfielder Scott Burgess (pictured right).
There are so many in fact that we’ll point you in the direction of our dedicated “Connections” feature which is right here.
Pre-match quote
Pre-match quoteI had good times there but if you start looking back in football it doesn’t do. You are always looking for the next game. That is the good thing about football, a bit like life really. You start reminiscing too much and life passes you by.
It was a good time there as a player and as a manager and it has been a really good experience for me coming to Port Vale as well. I have been through most experiences as a manager that stand you in good stead when you are dealing with players.
It will be a tough game but there will be a great atmosphere. Our supporters again can make a big difference to us. If we can get them going then we can put them under real pressure….
Port Vale manager John Askey (right)
Memory match
On Saturday 10th January 1988, arguably the most important game in John Rudge’s reign ended in a narrow 1-0 win. That match was the FA Cup tie against Macclesfield Town. Rudge was under huge pressure after a string of poor results and defender Phil Sproson later told the press he had been approached to be caretaker manager if Vale lost the match. However, Kevin Finney (right) scored a late winner, Vale were drawn against Spurs in the next round and the rest is history…
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