Match preview: Morecambe vs Port Vale
It’s the fourth Football League game of the new season as Port Vale play their second away game with a match against Morecambe. This feature contains a comprehensive guide on how to stream the match…
Match details:
Teams: Morecambe vs Port Vale
Competition: Football League Two
Venue: Globe Arena
Kick-off: Saturday 3rd October, 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: 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 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 tickets sold for home games. For away games, the proceeds of the first 500 away tickets go to the home side but after that Vale again take an 80% cut of the revenue.
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:
Morecambe have had an up and down start to their League season. Away wins over Cheltenham and Southend United have bookended a 5-0 home thrashing by Cambridge United. The Valiants remain unbeaten in the League following their 0-0 draw with Harrogate Town last weekend.
Port Vale team news:
Defender Zak Mills will miss the game after he was ruled out for the next four weeks. John Askey could opt to recall James Gibbons (pictured) who is back in training or he could switch Nathan Smith to right-back and partner Shaun Brisley with Leon Legge in central defence. Tom Pope is available after his ban but may only make the Port Vale bench as Mark Cullen is expected to start upfront.
Guesswork XI:
Brown – Smith, Legge, Brisley, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Oyeleke, Conlon – Rodney, Cullen, Worrall
Opposition team news:
Morecambe have continued to add to their squad during recent weeks. The most recent arrivals are left-back Liam Gibson and midfielder Yann Songo’o. Former Valiant AJ Leitch-Smith (pictured) played his first game in eight months in midweek but is unlikely to start the game as he regains fitness. However, former Valiant Jordan Slew has been a regular in the Morecambe starting line-up.
Match officials:
Robert (Bobby) Madley takes charge of the game. It’s the former Premier League ref’s second game since returning to England, after having taken charge of one Premier League 2 fixture so far this season. His assistants will be Geoffrey Liddle and Barry Gordon, with Peter Gooch taking on the role as fourth official.
Opposition manager:
Former Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams took over as Morecambe manager in 2019 following the departure of the long-serving Jim Bentley. Adams has been in charge for 29 games with a 27.6 win ratio.
Connections:
Injured defender Zak Mills (pictured) misses out on the chance to play against his former side but there are a couple of ex-Valiants in the Morecambe side. Striker AJ Leitch-Smith played his first game of the season in the midweek FLT tie against Salford City while fellow forward Jordan Slew has five appearances to his name this season.
Pre-match quote:
We as a whole are pleased with three clean sheets in a row. I can’t remember how long it took us to get those last season, but hopefully we continue. But the team picking up wins and points is more important than clean sheets…
Scott Brown on Port Vale’s defensive strengths
Last time we met:
The two sides last met in January when it ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Valiants. James Gibbons (pictured) scored his first senior goal for the club but it was not enough as goals from Old and Stockton gave Morecambe all three points. However, in general the Vale have a decent record at Morecambe. In nine games they have won three, drawn three and lost three.