Match preview: Port Vale v Harrogate Town
It’s the third Football League game of the new season as Port Vale play their second home game with a match against Harrogate Town. This feature contains a comprehensive guide on how to stream the match…
Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Harrogate Town
Competition: Football League Two
Venue: Vale Park
Kick-off: Saturday 26th September, 3pm
How to watch:
First off, let’s deal with watching this behind closed doors game. It will be available to watch on the iFollow service. Here’s how to watch it…
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- If you don’t have an existing iFollow account sign up here
- If you have an existing iFollow account sign in here
- When signed in go to this page, select Video packages, select the relevant game and pay
- On matchday, go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video
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- If you don’t have an existing iFollow account sign up here
- If you have an existing iFollow account sign in here
- When signed in go to this page, select Video packages, select the relevant game and enter the promo code you have been given to sign-up for free (you’ll need to do this for every game)
- On matchday, go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video
FAQs
Q: I am a season ticket holder and I haven’t received a code / I have a problem with my code?
A: Season Ticket holders who experience problems or have not received a code, should contact the Ticket Office on 01782 655821. You can also email: [email protected].
Q: Do I have to set up the account/buy the pass on the day of the match?
A: No, you can set up your iFollow account and/or buy your match pass in advance if it is easier. All you need to do then is log onto iFollow on the day of the match go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video.
Q: Can I watch it down the pub?
A: No, it’s illegal to show iFollow streams in public so they would be breaking the law. The service is for private use only.
Q: Can I watch it on the TV screen?
A: The iFollow service is available via an app or a browser. Probably the simplest way to watch it on the TV screen is to watch the stream on a browser and connect your computer to your TV via a HDMI lead. The video and audio should then show on your screen.
Q: What about the programme?
A: Ahead of the game Port Vale will also be sending all season ticket holders a link to a complimentary digital copy of our new-look matchday programme! If you do not receive your digital copy by 1pm on Saturday, then please contact us on the numbers provided above. Additionally, if you wish to collect a physical copy of the programme ahead of kick off – please contact the club shop.
Q: What commentary will be provided?
A: Usually commentary from both teams (home and away) is provided. In Vale’s case it is usually the BBC Radio Stoke commentary team. When the match starts, click on the cog on the bottom RH corner to select home or away commentary.
Q: Does Port Vale make money from iFollow?
A: Yes and in these days of behind closed door matches, the revenue from iFollow can be vital. Clubs like Vale earn around 80% of the cost of an iFollow ticket regardless of whether the game is played home or away.
Q: What about if I still have an issue?
A: If you are experiencing problems with iFollow should contact EFL iFollow by telephone – 0207 8264577 (three hours before kick-off and running until three hours after matches finish) or by email – [email protected] (staffed from 8am to 7pm every day).
Need more information? We have a dedicated forum thread with help and advice right here. There’s also a guide on setting up an iFollow account while here is a guide for season ticket holders redeeming a code
Form guide:
This is an early top of the table clash after Vale won both of their League Two games and Harrogate are unbeaten (a win and a draw) in theirs. The visitors are also boosted after winning their massively delayed FA Trophy semi-final against Notts County in midweek.
Port Vale team news:
After the excellent performance at Exeter there is no reason to suggest that John Askey won’t stick with the same starting eleven. That would mean a second successive start for influential midfielder Manny Oyeleke (pictured). Injured duo James Gibbons and David Amoo are regaining fitness but would be expected to make the bench at best while Tom Pope serves the last game of his lengthy suspension.
Guesswork XI:
Brown – Mills, Smith, Legge, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Oyeleke, Conlon – Rodney, Cullen, Worrall
Opposition team news:
Harrogate could be boosted by the return of first-choice goalkeeper James Belshaw after a thumb injury. However, manager Simon Weaver could keep faith with deputy Joe Cracknell after his impressive recent form. Weaver told the local media: “He’s looked fine and there’s an outside chance he could play at Port Vale. But the excellent form of Joe between the sticks means that we’re under no pressure to rush him back.” Weaver may also start Brendan Kiernan after he impressed in midweek against Notts County.
Match officials:
Ben Toner will take charge of the game, his fifth match so far this season, after having taken charge of 28 games last season. His assistants will be Andrew Hendley and Ian Smedley, with Ollie Williams taking on the role as fourth official.
Opposition manager:
Former defender Simon Weaver was appointed as player-manager of Harrogate in 2009. After becoming manager, his father Irving became chairman of the club. The pair have led Harrogate from the sixth tier to League Two. Weaver has an impressive 42% win ratio from over 500 games in charge.
Simon Weaver image – YouTube
Connections:
He may never have played in a competitive game for the Vale but Harrogate’s Tom Walker was on trial with the club in the summer of 2017. However, he wasn’t offered a contract and went on to join FC United of Manchester. He joined Harrogate in the summer after a brief spell at AFC Fylde.
There should also be an honourable mention for Neil Aspin, a playing legend at Vale but less so as a manager these roles were reversed at Harrogate where he served up a number of promotions during a five year spell in charge.
Pre-match quote:
You see the work rate the players are putting in at the end games, in the last two minutes they were chasing everything. You can’t ask for any more than that and that is what gets you results…
Port Vale manager John Askey after the win over Exeter City
Last time we met:
The two sides have never met in a competitive fixture before.
What do other Vale fans think?
The Ale & the Vale podcast is back with a Harrogate preview. The team discuss why on earth fans can’t go and watch league football, and what our mate Norman has been up to this week. Enjoy!
Available on Apple, Google and Spotify podcasts (Plus many more).
Also here https://aleandthevale.podbean.com
What do the opponents think?
The club has pretty much attacked the EFL head on with no fear…
Read our opposing views feature by Nathan Owen who gathers the thoughts of several Harrogate fans ahead of the game.