Can John Askey’s side build on their win over Oldham Athletic with a home victory against Cheltenham Town?
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DISCUSS THIS GAME ON THE DEDICATED FORUM THREADMatch details:
Teams: Port Vale v Cheltenham Town
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park Stadium
Kick-off: Tuesday 26th October, 7pm
Form guide:
After their recent blip, it is worth considering that the Valiants have lost just the one game at home this season. However, opponents Cheltenham should be a tough task as they have lost just once in their eight games and during that time they’ve won three away from home.
Port Vale team news:
After the display against Oldham, it’s possible that John Askey will stick with the same starting XI. The key question will probably be whether two games in a matter of days will be too much for the returning David Amoo (pictured). The last thing Vale will want is a recurrence of the hamstring injury after his impressive display on Saturday. However, it’s possible that this game will come too soon for the likes of Zak Mills, Harry McKirdy and Mark Cullen.
With that in mind, our guesswork XI is exactly that…
Guesswork XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge, Smith, Montano – Joyce, Burgess, Conlon – Amoo, Robinson, Worrall
Tom Conlon looked back to his best on Saturday as he played in a more advanced position. Vale fans will be hoping he’ll continue his improved form on Saturday possibly in partnership with Scott Burgess with whom he formed a formidable partnership towards the end of last season .
Opposition team news:
Cheltenham will be missing Matty Blair after he was injured at the weekend. Manager Michael Duff has said his “squad will be used” after the Robins picked up a number of injuries in recent weeks.
Summer additions for Cheltenham include veteran striker Andy Williams, defensive midfielder Tom Sang and goalkeeper Max Harris.
Powerful striker Reuben Reid will be well-known to Vale fans. The 32 year-old will put the likes of Leon Legge and Nathan Smith under plenty of physical pressure and will be hoping to add to the four goals he already has this season.
Opposition manager:
Belfast born Michael Duff made over 600 appearances as a player before landing his first managerial role with Cheltenham Town in 2018. He’s done a grand job so far after guiding the team to the play-offs last season and with a win ratio of 42%.
Pre-match quote
They are a good team and John (Askey) has done a brilliant job since he’s gone in there. They have an identity now, with the way they play…
Michael Duff
Connections:
Port Vale goalkeeper Scott Brown (pictured) is rightly regarded as a club legend by Cheltenham after playing over 350 times for them. Vale will also come up against an old boy in the Cheltenham defence with former youth team graduate Charlie Raglan a regular in the centre.
Winger Ashley Vincent, controversial midfielder Ryan Burge and midfielder Sam Foley have all played for both sides.
Last time we met:
It finished in a goalless draw at Cheltenham in March. The game at Vale Park also finished in a draw this time 1-1. The Valiants also played Cheltenham in the FA Cup last season and won thanks to a memorable quickfire hat-trick from Tom Pope (pictured)
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
PHILM
27th October 2020 @ 7:50 pm
Where’s the Sentinel’s live blog?