It’s another tough test for John Askey’s team as they take on promotion chasing Northampton Town away. Here’s our preview…
Team news
Team newsThe Valiants have been boosted by the return from injury of defender Nathan Smith (pictured right). If Vale opt to start with Smith it’s likely that Shaun Brisley will drop to the bench. John Askey is also likely to have select between Mitch Clark and Cristian Montano for the left-back spot. However, this game comes too soon for Adam Crookes and Manny Oyeleke who are at least back in full training. As for Northampton, they will have Jordan Turnbull in but on-loan Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka is unavailable for selection.
Pre-match Quote
“I feel like we’ve done well in away games this season. It’s two games we believe we can go in and win. They are two teams that are doing really well and have put themselves in a similar position to us in going for promotion and the playoff places. Hopefully we can go there, play as well as we know we can and try and get a result…”
Port Vale striker Scott Burgess has belief.
Stats
StatsThe two sides last met earlier this season. It ended in a 1-1 draw at Vale Park. David Amoo (pictured right) put the Valiants ahead before Ryan Watson equalised on 45 minutes. The Valiants last trip to Sixfields was a happy one for a Vale side reduced to ten men. Leon Legge and Tom Pope scored in a 2-1 win. It was Pope’s 100th goal for the club. Overall the two sides have met seventy one times. Northampton have won 29 times, Vale have won 21 and there have been 21 draws.
Form guide
The Valiants have lost two of their last three away trips (it’s four out of five if you include the cup ties at Man City and Salford City). In contrast, Northampton have won their last three home ties.
Opposition Guide
Managed by the experienced Keith Curle, Northampton have also opted for experience on the pitch too. 33 year-old Nicky Adams has come in from Bury – that’s the same age as forward Andy Williams, who was once linked with the Vale. Midfielder Alan McCormack is even older at 36 while the relative youngster Harry Smith will be easily spotted at six foot five inches tall. Williams is the club’s top scorer with eight league goals followed by Sam Hoskins with seven.
Connections
ConnectionsThe Valiants are likely to come face-to-face with former winger Mark Marshall, who joined Northampton Town at the end of the January transfer window. Marshall played 49 times for the Vale, scoring seven times. There’s another former Valiant in the Northampton line-up in veteran midfielder Chris Lines. The Bristolian had a two year stay with the Vale making 71 appearances.
Classic Clash
Here’s a clip form our YouTube channel of a meeting between the two sides from back in 1993:
Top image: Ben Sutherland via Flickr
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