Can John Askey’s side build on their win over Salford with a result against a high flying Cambridge United side?
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DISCUSS THIS GAME ON THE DEDICATED FORUM THREADMatch details:
Teams: Cambridge Utd v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: Abbey Stadium
Kick-off: Tuesday 20th October, 7pm
Form guide:
The Valiants ended their recent poor run with that 1-0 win over Salford City. In contrast, Cambridge are riding high as they top the League Two table. Free scoring, they have already hit fifteen goals so far.
Port Vale team news:
Hmmm, will John Askey stick or twist after the win over Salford City. While the returns of Nathan Smith, Luke Joyce and Tom Conlon were a success and look likely to remain, there is still a question mark over that central striking position. Devante Rodney started and looked a bit off sorts while the winning goal came when Theo Robinson replaced Rodney upfront. But is Robinson match fit to play a full 90 minutes? Will Tom Pope or even Mark Cullen come into contention? Our gut feeling is that Askey willl stick with Rodney who is still learning and may benefit from a run in the centre.
With that in mind, our guesswork XI is exactly that…
Guesswork XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge, Smith, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Whitehead, Conlon – Montano, Rodney, Worrall
Cambridge have been free scoring this season so Vale will no doubt be hoping that the inspirational Scott Brown continues his fine recent form. The veteran made a superb penalty save and a stunning second-half save in the win over Salford, his reflexes and calming presence at the back may be needed again on Tuesday evening.
Opposition team news:
Veteran playmaker Wes Hoolihan was rested for the 5-0 thrashing of Scunthorpe United but may be in contention for this game. Paul Mullen is the League Two top scorer with seven goals so far and is certain to start alongside former Macclesfield man Joe Ironside who has three goals. Former Valiant Luke Hannant is also a regular starter and set to face his former club.
While Paul Mullen has seven goals already, the contribution of defensive midfielder Hiram Boateng is crucial to Cambridge’s success. He sits in front of the back four to break up play and to set up the more skilful players such as Hoolihan, Harvey Knibbs or Harrison Dunk.
Opposition manager:
Former Cambridge United coach Mark Bonner took over from Colin Calderwood in January 2020 and has been a stunning success in his short managerial stint. Bonner has won ten of the sixteen games he has been in charge either as caretaker or full-time manager. He agreed a two year deal with the club in March 2020.
Pre-match quote
Hopefully we can follow that (the win over Salford) up. But as long as they work as hard as that and show that determination then we won’t go far wrong…
John Askey
Connections:
The Valiants will come up against former winger Luke Hannant who has been a regular starter for Cambridge this season. The former Gateshead man was signed by Neil Aspin and had a two year stay at Vale Park making 68 appearances and scoring five times.
There are also two members of the Valiants squad with Cambridge connections. Vale skipper Leon Legge will probably face his former club too. Legge made 124 appearances and scored twelve times for Cambridge during a three year spell with the club. Vale wideman David Amoo may miss this game due to injury. Amoo was signed by Vale following his release by Cambridge where he made 76 appearances and scored seven goals.
Left-back Daniel Jones has played for both clubs, striker Alex Jones who had a loan spell with both clubs and former Port Vale loanee Uche Ikpeazu (pictured) had a two year stay with Cambridge United between 2016 and 2018.
Last time we met:
The two sides last met competitively in August during the truncated 2019-20 season. The Valiants ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late strike by Richie Bennett (pictured). The Valiants have lost their last two visits to Cambridge with the last win coming back in 2002 when Steve McPhee scored the winner in a 1-0 victory.
How to watch:
Finally, 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
Top image: “Abbey Stadium (Cambs Glass Stadium) the home Cambridge united” by the92.net