Match preview: Newport County v Port Vale
After two poor results at Vale Park can John Askey’s side bounce back against Newport County?
Top Image: Rodney Parade on 30 April 2019″ by Diego Sideburns is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Match details:
Teams: Newport County v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: Rodney Parade
Kick-off: Saturday 21st November, 3pm
Form guide:
It’s been a bad patch for Port Vale as we all know. The win in the Football League Trophy has been surrounded by an FA Cup exit and two consecutive League losses. They face a Newport County side who top the table and who have won six of their last eight games including the last three home games in the League.
Port Vale team news:
So what to do after that horror week? Wholesale changes or stick with the starting eleven? It’s likely that Harry McKirdy (pictured) will be pushing for a start after he impressed both in the FLT win over Liverpool and as a sub on Tuesday. As for the rest and the formation, well, your guess is probably as good as mine. Missing will be the suspended Luke Joyce and injured James Gibbons.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge, Smith, Montano – Oyeleke, Burgess, Conlon – Worrall, Pope, McKirdy
One to watch:
Well, all of the players need to improve so it’s difficult to single one out. In many respects this is a big game for the manager John Askey and his team selection and tactics.
Opposition team news:
Newport had last weekend off due to International call-ups. They will check on defender Liam Shephard ahead of the game as he looks to recover from a knee problem. Captain Joss Labadie will also hope to overcome a hamstring injury.
One to watch: Striker Tristan Abrahams already has seven goals to his name this season.
Opposition manager:
Michael Flynn has been in charge at Rodney Parade since 2017. He is approaching 200 games in charge with a win ratio of 41%.
Pre-match quote
When it’s not your day, it’s not your day. That’s how it appears at the moment but if we keep playing the way we are playing then eventually we will start to get the results…
Port Vale manager John Askey
Connections:
Should he be picked, Harry McKirdy could line-up against a side where he had a loan spell in 2019. McKirdy played thirteen games and scored once. He could face former Vale loanee Kyle Howkins who after two spells on loan in the Potteries joined Newport in 2019. However, it is a bit of a long shot as Howkins has not featured in the starting eleven since September.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
- Central defender Ryan Inniss (pictured)
- Striker Mark Harris
- Midfielder Sam Foley
- Midfielder Tommy O’Sullivan
Last time we met:
There was just the one game in the truncated 2019-20 season. It finished 1-0 to Newport in September. The last time the Valiants won at Newport was back in 1986 when the Valiants won 2-0 thanks to goals from winger Paul Smith and striker Andy Jones (pictured).
The stats:
Overall record: 19 Port Vale wins | 11 Port Vale losses | 13 draws
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
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 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