Can John Askey’s side make it three wins in a row with an away victory at struggling Southend?
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DISCUSS THIS GAME ON THE DEDICATED FORUM THREADMatch details:
Teams: Southend United v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: Roots Hall Stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 31st October, 3pm
Form guide:
After their recent blip, the Valiants secured back-to-back wins after the home victory over Cheltenham. John Askey’s men can now be confident of a play-off push after their wins over promotion favourites Salford City and Cheltenham. In contrast, Southend are in poor form. They are without a single win this season – with a recent run that of four straight League Two defeats.
Port Vale team news:
Cristian Montano’s participation in the game could be in doubt after he was forced off early in the midweek win over Cheltenham. However, Vale have a simple change to make if Monty is out with the more defensively minded David Fitzpatrick (pictured) set to play there instead. Tom Pope made an impressive apperance as a sub but it’s likely that John Askey will continue with Southend old boy Theo Robinson upfront.
Our guesswork XI is exactly that…
Guesswork XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge, Smith, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Burgess, Conlon – Amoo, Robinson, Worrall
Midfielder Scott Burgess earned praise from Vale coach Dave Kevan after a lively second-half performance against Cheltenham. Burgess has had a quiet start to the season but this may be his chance to kick on and secure a regular starting place.
Opposition team news:
Southend have been dealt an injury blow this week with the news that defender Nathan Ralph is out for the season through injury. Jason Demetriou has also been carrying a knock and may be doubtful for this game. Southend could also be missing John White, Simeon Akinola and Alan McCormack.
Youngster Tom Clifford scored his first senior goal in midweek. The 21 year-old is gaining a reputation as a set-piece expert as his delivery will need to be closely watched by the Valiants.
Opposition manager:
Former midfielder Mark Molesley has had a tough baptism in his first Football League job. The 39 year-old has managed Weymouth and been a coach at AFC Bournemouth and was appointed Southend manager in August. However, after twelve games his win ratio stands at 0%.
Pre-match quote
We’ve had back to back wins and we want to come and finish the week off perfectly now…
David Worrall
Connections:
Port Vale’s summer signing Theo Robinson will be keen to impress against his former club. Robinson is Port Vale’s top scorer with four goals already this season. He has had two spells at Southend – a loan spell in 2009 and a three year spell between 2017 and 202o. In total, he played 104 games and scored twenty goals for United.
Another Valiant, David Worrall, also had a spell with Southend. Worrall spent two years with Southend and was a member of their 2014-15 promotion squad.
Players to feature for both sides include towering central defender Peter Clarke, combative midfielder Anthony Grant (pictured) and striker Billy Paynter.
Last time we met:
It finished in a draw when Vale last travelled to Southend. That game was back in 2017 when it finished 1-1. Vale’s goalscorer that day was Chris Eagles (pictured). Vale have to go all the way back to 2010 for their last win at Southend. On that day it finished 3-1 to Vale thanks to goals from Justin Richards, Marc Richards and Louis Dodds.
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: “Roots Hall” by Mike Burdett is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0