Forest Green Rovers v Port Vale preview (League Two)
Forest Green Rovers v Port Vale preview: it’s caretaker Danny Pugh’s third game in charge. He’ll be hoping for a performance more akin to Grimsby then Sunderland!
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Match details:
Teams: Forest Green Rovers v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: New Lawn stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 16th January, 3pm
Form guide:
Well, the win over Grimsby stopped the rot but Vale’s form still remains poor with just one win in their last seven League games. In the same period their opponents have recorded three wins although they did lose their last home game against Crawley.
Port Vale team news:
Danny Pugh gave an injury update and it was perhaps interesting that one person missing from his briefing was that of striker Devante Rodney. The striker was taken off at half-time on Saturday due to a knock but he had an impressive first-half in partnership with Tom Pope. We suspect that the Vale management will be desperate for Rodney to play especially with Tom Pope suffering a broken arm on Tuesday and Theo Robinson out of form. If Pugh reverts to 4-4-2 (and after Tuesday’s showing we hope he does) then Mark Cullen would be favourite to partner Rodney up top. James Gibbons may be in contention but we suspect he won’t be rushed back while Alex Hurst could also play despite being injured on Tuesday. However, Danny Whitehead is out and there could be a starting place for recent (re)signing Jake Taylor.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Mills, Smith, Brisley, Montano – Worrall, Taylor, Conlon, Hurst – Rodney, Cullen
One to watch:
This could be a chance for striker Mark Cullen to kickstart his season. The forward has just six League starts during an injury plagued second season but he’s still managed three goals in all competitions.
Opposition team news
The home side could include Derby County youngster Isaac Hutchinson after he completed a loan move until the end of the season. One player definitely missing is Carl Winchester who has been signed by League One Sunderland.
Opposition manager
Forest Green manager Mark Cooper is currently sixth on the list of longest-serving manager having been in charge since 2016. In that time, the 52 year-old has recorded a win ratio of 39.9% from 236 games in charge.
Connections:
There are no players in either squad who have played for both sides. One of the more recent players to appear for both sides is defender Gavin Gunning. The Irish defender controversially turned down a Vale contract to sign for Rovers in January 2018.
A little further back, striker Lee Hughes (pictured) moved on to Forest Green Rovers after an action packed twelve month spell with the Valiants. The veteran helped the club to a memorable promotion in 2013 and scored thirteen times in thirty one Port Vale appearances.
Other players to appear for both clubs include defender Lee Collins, full-back Callum Evans, winger Lewis Haldane and forward Sean Rigg.
Last time we met:
The two sides last met at Vale Park earlier this season when it ended in a 1-1 draw. The last time Vale travelled to Forest Green was in the 2019-20 when it ended in a dramatic 3-2 win for the Vale. John Askey’s side were cruising 3-0 thanks to a double from Tom Pope (pictured) and another from Shaun Brisley but the sendings off of Mitch Clark and Tom Pope in the closing stages gave the Valiants a scare as the home side scored twice and nearly snatched a point.
The stats:
Overall record: 3 Port Vale wins | 2 Port Vale losses | 3 draws
From the archives…
The first competitive meeting between the two sides was in the FA Cup in 2012 when it ended in a thrilling 3-2 win for the Vale. The Valiants scored goals through Ashley Vincent, Clayton McDonald and a late winner from sub Ben Williamson.
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