Match preview: Port Vale v Wolves B (Football League Trophy)
How will a (probably) much changed Port Vale side react in the cup after their thrashing of Bolton Wanderers at the weekend?
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Wolves B
Competition: Football League Trophy
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Tuesday 8th December, 7pm
Form guide:
If you isolate their Football League Trophy form then the Valiants are in good nick. They’ve won two games in normal time and a third on penalties conceding just three goals and scoring seven. So, it’s fair to say that this season’s Trophy games have generally been entertaining affairs. Wolves B side have been inconsistent with a win, a draw and a loss so far.
Port Vale team news:
The Trophy means it’s usually time for John Askey to shuffle his pack. Alex Hurst (pictured) has been pushing for a League place so he looks highly likely to start on Tuesday night. Other potential starters include goalkeeper Dino Visser, defender Shaun Brisley, midfielder Scott Burgess and possibly one of Mark Cullen or Tom Pope.
Possible Starting XI:
Visser – Mills, Brisley, Smith, Crookes – Joyce, Burgess, Conlon – Hurst, Cullen, Montano
One to watch:
He may be something of a forgotten man as far as the League Two campaign goes, but this is another chance for keeper Dino Visser to pick up another senior appearance for Vale and to keep the pressure on Scott Brown.
Visser has done nothing wrong so far but has been unable to depose Brown from his number one spot (as Brown has been in fine form). Here’s another chance for the South African to impress. If he plays it will be the 32 year-old’s seventh appearance in the English game, so he will be desperate for Vale’s cup run to continue as he seeks more gametime.
Opposition players to watch:
Dangerman: He may be rested after breaking into the first-team but forward Fabio Silva scored twice in the last Football League Trophy group game. The Portuguese striker has scored in the Premier League this season so if he plays he could be a potent threat. Capped at every level up to U19 level by his country the 18 year-old was signed for a mere £35m. Which puts the cost to assemble this current Port Vale squad into some perspective.
Others to watch:
A number of older players are still allowed to feature in this competition and Wolves could pick 34 year-old John Ruddy in goal as a result. The former Norwich City man has over 400 senior career appearances. With due respect to Ruddy, so much for this competition giving young players game time!
Canadian striker Theodor Corbeanu has featured in all three group games while Irish defender Lewis Richards should also feature along with Spanish stopper Hugo Bueno.
Opposition manager:
Former Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Bolton midfielder Scott Sellars is in charge and will be assisted by former Crewe boss Steve Davis. Sellars was previously assistant manager at Chesterfield.
Pre-match quote
I am just thankful to the players and everybody who has supported me, especially the owners who have been fantastic. I am just really pleased I live to fight another day…
Manager John Askey on the dramatic win at Bolton
Connections:
Goalkeeper Scott Brown may well be rested for this game but he will be familiar with the opposition’s junior sides after spending six years in the Wolves youth ranks. Brown never made a senior appearance for his hometown club but he has been a model of consistency after joining the Valiants.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
- Striker Donovan Wilson
- Centre-half Lee Collins (pictured)
- Defender Dan Jones
- Goalkeeper Mike Stowell
- Forward Chris Cornes
- Centre-half Bob Hazell
Last time we met:
In terms of meetings between the senior sides, the two teams last met back in 2014 when it finished 3-0 to Wolves. The game at Vale Park also ended in defeat, this time 3-1 with Tom Pope the last Vale player to net against the Wolves. Vale’s last home win over Wolves was three games ago back in 1998 when Peter Beadle and Tony Naylor goals gave the Valiants a 2-1 win.
The stats:
Overall record: 8 Port Vale wins | 28 Port Vale losses | 11 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
Mike Rennie
8th December 2020 @ 10:31 am
Hello, where is McKirdy, does he have to pull his socks up!