Match preview: Port Vale v Colchester Utd (League Two)
Can Port Vale now build on two wins and make it three victories in a week?
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Colchester United
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 12th December, 3pm
Form guide:
So, it’s two wins in a matter of days for the Valiants. However, it’s now time for the Vale to address their home League form after losing the last three games. Colchester come into this game on an unbeaten League run of three games including two wins.
Port Vale team news:
Manager John Askey has confirmed that loanee Mitch Clark has recovered from illness and is available but it remains unclear if he will remove Zak Mills from the right-back slot. Meanwhile, Cristian Montano and David Worrall are both slight fitness doubts. Winger David Amoo and midfielder Danny Whitehead are also potentially in contention for the squad.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Mills, Legge Smith, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Oyeleke, Conlon – Montano, Rodney, Montano
One to watch:
This game represents another chance for Zak Mills to seal his return to the right-back slot. Vale have plenty of competition at right-back and even more when James Gibbons returns, but Mills has done his chances no harm with strong performances on Saturday and Tuesday. With two goals from eight appearances he also poses a useful goal threat too.
Opposition players to watch:
Dangerman: The Valiants will need to be wary of forward Jevani Brown who already has seven League goals. The 26 year-old joined from Cambridge United in the summer.
Others to watch:
Experienced stopper Dean Gerken is a regular between the sticks ahead of loyal defender Tom Eastman, who is now closing on 400 appearances for Colchester. In midfield Harry Pell will be well-known to Vale fans along with veteran Paris Cowan-Hall.
Opposition manager:
After some years as John McGreal’s assistant, Steve Ball took over as manager in the summer. The 51 year-old has been in charge for 21 games with a win ratio of 38%.
Pre-match quote
At this level we know he is as good a right back as there is in the league. He has good experience. I think the full back position is one where we are really strong…
Manager John Askey on full-back Zak Mills
Connections:
Port Vale striker Theo Robinson could play against a side where he spent a spell on loan last season. Robinson made twenty eight appearances, scoring eleven goals.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
- Midfielder Chris Regis
- Defender Liam Chilvers (right)
- Midfielder Doug Loft
- Defender Luke Prosser
- Defender Sam Stockley
Last time we met:
The two sides met at Vale Park in February where it finished 3-0 to the Valiants thanks to a goal from Tom Conlon and a double from striker Mark Cullen. It was a reverse of the 2019 fixture where Vale lost 3-0. However, that remains Vale’s solitary loss in their last four home fixtures.
The stats:
Overall record: 21 Port Vale wins | 25 Port Vale losses | 15 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