Port Vale v Barrow preview (League Two)
It’s grim times at Vale Park at the moment, but nevertheless here’s our Port Vale v Barrow preview.
Have your say
Want to share your thoughts on this game? Join our dedicated match thread.
You need to be a registered user of our forum but registration is simple and free. Join the debate through the button below…
Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Barrow
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Boxing Day 26th December, 3pm
Form guide:
Oh dear… do we have to go here? Port Vale have one win in nine League games while opponents Barrow have the same – one victory in nine League games. Looks like it could be a long ninety minutes…
Port Vale team news:
We speculated whether manager John Askey would stick or twist for the Walsall game. Well, we’re pretty sure he’ll twist for this one. The entire back-line is under threat of the axe with the likes of Mitch Clark, Shaun Brisley and Adam Crookes (pictured) all possible starters instead. Askey could even opt to start Dino Visser ahead of Scott Brown in goal. In contrast, the front three of Tom Pope, Alex Hurst and Devante Rodney did OK and should keep their places for this game.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Clark, Brisley, Crookes, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Burgess, Conlon – Hurst, Pope, Rodney
One to watch:
Alex Hurst has been one of the few bright spots of recent weeks and should keep his place on the wing. He’ll be expected to provide plenty of chances for Tom Pope in the centre.
Opposition players to watch:
Dangerman: Former Vale loanee Scott Quigley has scored in his last two games and will no doubt be fired up to impress against the Valiants.
Others:
Forward Luke James joined at the start of the season and already has three goals to his name.
Midfielder Josh Kay was one of the stars of last season’s promotion with seven goals from midfield.
Former Sunderland keeper Joel Dixon has been the regular between the sticks this season.
Right-back Brad Berry has been a near ever-present this campaign.
And we’re not forgetting former Vale duo Lewis Hardcastle and Dior Angus but more about them later.
Opposition manager:
No-one at the moment following the departure of David Dunn. The current caretaker is Dunn’s former assistant Rob Kelly.
Pre-match quote
The organisation of the team is fine but if people knock long balls and you can’t stay with your men and you can’t close gap then you have problems. The only thing we can do is change things…
Manager John Askey suggests that there will be changes in defence
Connections:
There’s no less than three former Valiants in the Barrow squad. Striker Dior Angus (pictured) was signed from Redditch United and played four matches for the Valiants, scoring one goal. Two former loanees are also on Barrow’s books. Midfielder Lewis Hardcastle made nine Vale appearances while on loan from Blackburn Rovers, while the aforementioned striker Scott Quigley made thirteen appearances on loan from Blackpool, scoring once.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
Forward Richie Bennett (pictured) who made 43 appearances and scored 15 times for Barrow and played 26 times, scoring six goals for Port Vale.
Port Vale midfielder Kingsley James had a loan spell with Barrow in 2018.
Goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson was signed from Barrow by the Valiants in 2010.
In the opposite direction, winger Paul Edwards joined Barrow after leaving Port Vale.
Last time we met:
You have to go back to the 1966-67 season for the last time the two clubs met in the League. It finished 2-1 to the Valiants at Vale Park thanks to goals from Clint Boulton (pictured right) and Mick Mahon. The away game earlier in the season finished 2-2. It’s been a long run but the Vale are on a five match unbeaten run against Barrow stretching back to 1958.
The stats:
Overall record: 9 Port Vale wins | 2 Port Vale losses | 5 draws
From the archives…
The Valiants recorded a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Barrow in March 1959. it completed a free scoring spell for the Vale who, in the previous eleven games, had netted four goals three times and had also hit eight against Gateshead. The scorers against Barrow were Jack Wilkinson (pictured) with two, Dickie Cunliffe and Graham Barnett. It was Barnett’s ninth goal in that eleven game spell.
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…
-
- 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