Match preview: Stevenage v Port Vale
Can John Askey’s side end their recent poor run with a positive result at Stevenage?
Top Image: “Stevenage FC” by yellow book is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Match details:
Teams: Stevenage v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: Lamex Stadium
Kick-off: Tuesday 24th November, 7pm
Form guide:
The Valiants run of poor form is pretty wretched with three straight League defeats. However, Stevenage’s form is absolutely terrible. The side are on a run of fourteen games without a win including losing four out of the last five home League games.
Port Vale team news:
Following his red card on Saturday, Leon Legge is set to join fellow veterans Luke Joyce (suspended) and Tom Pope (self-isolating) on the sidelines. Legge is likely to be replaced by Shaun Brisley who did well after coming on from the bench. Elsewhere, Tom Conlon has to be an injury doubt after being replaced at half-time. With Danny Whitehead out injured it could be that David Fitzpatrick (pictured) comes in at left-back, freeing Cristian Montano to play on the left and moving David Worrall into an attacking midfield role. Another option would be to replace Conlon with Harry McKirdy who has been impressive off the bench.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Clark, Brisley, Smith, Fitzpatrick – Oyeleke, Burgess, Worrall – Montano, Cullen, Rodney
One to watch:
Shaun Brisley has had to be patient while at Vale Park. He’s made just twenty two appearances since joining over a year ago. However, when he plays he rarely lets the side down and this is another chance for him to impress.
Opposition team news:
Stevenage will be without long term absentee Jack Aitchison as the Scottish forward has a hamstring problem. Elliot Osbourne is also unlikely to play after missing the last three matches through injury.
One to watch:
Midfielder Tom Pett is back for a second spell with Stevenage after a three year stay with Lincoln City. 28 year-old Pett adds experience to the Stevenage midfield having played over 350 games and he scored in their 2-1 loss to Bolton at the weekend.
Opposition manager:
Former Stevenage player Alex Revell was named as manager following the resignation of Graham Westley last season. The former forward played nearly 700 games during a long playing career. His record at Stevenage is twenty games in charge and a 10% win ratio.
Pre-match quote
Things just aren’t going for us at the moment… The only thing we can take from it is that the players are working as hard as they possibly can. We can’t knock them for the effort they are putting in…
John Askey
Connections:
Former Port Vale defender Luke Prosser (pictured) joined Stevenage in the summer and could face the club where he made his professional debut. Prosser played 36 times for the Valiants, scoring once.
Vale winger Harry McKirdy could face a side where he made thirteen appearances on loan in 2016. However, former Stevenage midfielder Tom Conlon could well miss out through injury.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
- Striker Tyler Walker has had loan spells with both sides
- As has striker Greg Luer
- Midfielder Anthony Grant (pictured) had spells with both clubs
- As did another midfielder – Irishman Darren Murphy
Last time we met:
The two sides met at Stevenage in January where the Valiants triumphed 1-0 thanks to a late penalty from veteran forward Tom Pope. The home match finished in a 1-1 draw. The Valiants have only lost twice in six League and Cup visits to Stevenage.
The stats:
Overall record: 3 Port Vale wins | 4 Port Vale losses | 6 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