Port Vale v Southend Utd preview (League Two)
Port Vale v Southend Utd preview: can Port Vale recover from their loss against Scunthorpe on Tuesday evening?
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Southend Utd
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 30th January, 3pm
Form guide:
The Valiants’s awful run goes on and on. It’s now just two wins in eleven League games. Opponents Southend have fared a little better with four wins in their last eleven but are on a run of four without a win.
Port Vale team news:
So what next for Danny Pugh’s side? We know that deregistered duo Theo Robinson and Harry McKirdy won’t feature and it appears that Leon Legge will be joining them on the sidelines. Pugh’s deputy Frank Sinclair introduced James Gibbons (pictured), David Amoo, Luke Joyce and Manny Oyeleke to provide a better second-half performance on Tuesday and it’s possible all of them may start on Saturday. It may mean that David Amoo is used as a central forward in partnership with Kurtis Guthrie.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Gibbons, Smith, Brisley, Ftitzpatrick – Worrall, Joyce, Conlon, Hurst – Guthrie, Amoo
One to watch:
After a dip in form, Vale fans will be hoping that veteran Scott Brown makes a welcome return to form. With Vale’s defensive woes well documented, it will be a real boost to see a reliable keeper behind them.
Opposition manager
Former Weymouth manager Martin Molesley was appointed at the start of the season and has now been in charge for 30 games with a win ratio of 17%.
Opposition team news
Molesley has switched to a back five in recent games in a bid to tighten up the defence (remember the far off days of teams defending, Vale fans!). The Southend boss is also trying to bring in a new midfielder ahead of the game. There will be a relatively new face in the defence with Tyler Cordner having signed from Bournemouth recently.
Connections:
Summer signing Theo Robinson is deregistered and won’t feature but David Worrall will play against his former club. Worrall made 84 appearances, scoring nine times during a two year stay with Southend.
Last time we met:
The Valiants won 2-0 at Southend earlier in the season thanks to two goals from veteran striker Tom Pope (pictured). The Valiants also have a decent recent record at home against United having won their last two games at Vale Park.
The stats:
Overall record: 27 Port Vale wins | 21 Port Vale losses | 31 draws
From the archives…
Port Vale 5-0 Southend Utd, 1994
Port Vale coasted to an emphatic home victory in November 1994. The Vale won 5-0 thanks to goals from Joe Allon, Martin Foyle, Robin van der Laan (pictured), Ray Walker and Andy Porter.
The Vale made it a double when they won the return at Southend 2-1 thanks to goals from Foyle and van der Laan.
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