Port Vale v Newport County preview
Port Vale v Newport County preview: can Port Vale recover from their away mauling at Tranmere with a win on home soil against Newport?.
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Newport County
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 13th February, 3pm
Form guide:
Like the Valiants, opponents Newport County have had a rough time of it in recent weeks. They have won just one in ten games and lost at home to Southend United in their last game. It’s six matches since they last won an away League game. Having said that, Vale’s form still remains poor but they have at least won two out of the last three home fixtures.
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Port Vale team news:
After a poor day at the office defensively at Tranmere, changes could be possible. A real positive for the Valiants would be if James Gibbons (pictured) returns from injury at right-back. Shaun Brisley, if fit, is the obvious one to come into the back four. Leon Legge hasn’t had a great season by his standards but he appears to be available for selection again and could be a contender alongside recent loan signing Mustapha Olagunju
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Gibbons, Smith, Brisley, Montano – Joyce, Conlon, Taylor – Worrall, Guthrie, Rodney
One to watch:
Will this be the game for Kurtis Guthrie to break his Vale duck? The big man has battled manfully upfront but has yet to hit the goal trail after five appearances for the side.
Opposition manager
40 year-old Michael Flynn has been in charge of Newport since 2017. He’s managed 214 games and has a healthy win ratio of 41%.
Opposition team news
Newport welcome captain Joss Labadie after his suspension. However, the side could be missing three other players -wing-back Liam Shephard has another game left of his suspension to serve, midfielder Scot Bennett is also out through suspension while Matty Dolan is an injury doubt.
Connections:
It’s been a while since we mentioned Harry McKirdy, who had a brief loan spell with Newport in 2019. However, the Vale winger will not be involved as he was deregistered from the Vale’s League squad. It’s the same story for Newport’s Kyle Howkins who won’t be involved as he’s been loaned out to Solihull Moors.
Some of the other players to appear for both sides in recent seasons include: midfielder Sam Foley (pictured), Welsh striker Mark Harris and defender Ryan Inniss.
Looking further back, Port Vale forward Neville Chamberlain started his career with the Valiants where he made 158 appearances, many of them with his brother Mark (both pictured above). After the pair moved to Stoke City, Chamberlain was loaned to Newport before the move was made permanent. He ended the 1983-84 season as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals. He then moved on to Mansfield Town.
Last time we met:
Vale suffered late agony in the meeting in Wales earlier this season. Defender Leon Legge (pictured) was sent-off on 68 minutes but the Valiants looked to be hanging on for a goalless draw. However, Vale nemesis Kevin Ellison popped up on ninety minutes to score a late winner.
Since Newport re-entered the Football League, the Vale are yet to record a win with their best home performance a 0-0 draw in 2018.
The stats:
Overall record: 0 Port Vale wins | 3 Port Vale losses | 3 draws
From the archives…
Port Vale 6-1 Newport County, 1987
It was from Newport’s previous league spell, but few Vale fans who were there will forget the game in May 1987. It finished Port Vale 6-1 Newport and Vale’s Welsh International Andy Jones hit five goals in the first-half. The striker followed that up by netting four in his next home appearance (albeit the first game of the next season).
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