Bolton Wanderers v Port Vale preview – expect changes as Vale start FLT campaign
Bolton Wanderers v Port Vale preview: It’s the first Football League Trophy group game for the Valiants – here ‘s our preview…
Match details?
Details: Bolton Wanderers v Port Vale, Papa Johns Trophy, Group D group game
Where and when: University of Bolton stadium, Tuesday 31st August, 7pm
TICKET INFO FROM PORT VALE HERE PORT VALE FIXTURES LEAGUE TWO TABLE PORT VALE SQUAD PROFILESWhat happened last time we played them?
The sides met twice in the League last season. It was a disappointing 1-0 loss at Vale Park but the game at Bolton was another matter. The Valiants recorded an extraordinary 6-3 win thanks to goals from Manny Oyeleke, Leon Legge, Tom Conlon, Cristian Montano, David Worrall and Nathan Smith. Remarkably, it was Vale’s first win at Bolton since 1988.
What’s our overall record?
It’s a pretty poor record overall for the Valiants:
- 3 Port Vale wins
- 25 losses
- 10 draws
What’s the Port Vale team news?
Two words. Expect changes. We imagine it will be a much changed Vale line-up for this game. Aidan Stone should get a run out in goal while the likes of Alex Hurst, Ryan Johnson, Devante Rodney, Lewis Cass and perhaps James Gibbons could all get a run-out. Darrell Clarke may also be tempted to bring loan signing George Lloyd into the starting line-up but Dennis Politic won’t be allowed to feature against his parent club. We’ve come up with a predicted starting XI so expect the real thing to be almost completely different…
OVF Guesswork Eleven:
Stone
Cass – Smith – Johnson
Gibbons – Pett – Garrity – Hurst
Amoo – Rodney – Lloyd
Vale’s season so far…
It was a disappointing start of the season for the Valiants as they lost 1-0 to Northampton Town. It was only compounded by Lucas Covolan’s red card on his full debut. In their second match, the Valiants were held at home by Tranmere Rovers. The Valiants haven’t scored in the League yet but they did manage to in the League Cup where they lost 2-1 to Sunderland. In their third League game they were held 0-0 by Carlisle Utd at Vale Park and they picked up yet another draw on Saturday after a 1-1 result at Stevenage. The winless streak was ended on Saturday with a fine 2-0 away win against leaders Forest Green Rovers.
What about the opponents?
If Cambridge hadn’t have scored on Saturday, Vale would have been facing an undefeated Bolton. Wanderers lost that one 1-0 and otherwise have two draws and two wins from their League campaign. They also drew both their League Cup games – winning on penalties against Barnsley but losing a shootout against Wigan. According to the local media, Ian Evatt has hinted at a strong side for this cup match with one starter being striker Elias Kachunga.
Man in charge: Ian Evatt
Age: 39
Clubs managed: Chesterfield (caretaker), Barrow, Bolton Wanderers
Appointed: July 2020
Games in charge: 58
Win ratio: 44%
Any Vale connections?
Vale took Dennis Politic (pictured) on loan this season but he clearly won’t be allowed to feature in this game. There’s been a number of players to appear for both sides in recent seasons including goalkeeper Rob Lainton, winger Chris Eagles and striker Tyler Walker.
Vintage Vale Connection
Lol Hamlett achieved cult hero status at Vale Park for a long stint as trainer. Hamlett began his playing career at Congleton Town before joining Bolton in 1938. The war interrupted his spell but he played until 1949 making 85 appearances and scoring nine times. He joined Vale in 1949 and spent three years as a player making 118 appearances. After retiring he became a coach before switching to trainer in 1960, a position he held up till 1983. A lay preacher, he never swore and earned a well deserved Vale testimonial match in 1976. Hamlett passed away in 1986 aged 69.
Potted history
Formed in 1874 as Christ Church FC, the club adopted its current name in 1877. Founder members of the Football League, Bolton have spent 73 seasons in the top-flight without winning the title. They have also won the FA Cup on four occasions and finished on the losing side three times. Bolton have also won two League Cups and a Charity Shield. As for this competition.. Wanderers have won it in 1989.
Quick stats
- Record transfer fee: Johan Elmander – £8.25m
- Record transfer sale: Nicolas Anelka – £15m
- Record win: 8-0 vs Barnsley, 1934
- Record loss: 0-7 vs Burnley, 1890
From the archives…
Let’s remind ourselves of that stunning away win last season…
Were you paying attention?
A quick quiz on the opponents – answers at the bottom of the page…
- Which player is on loan at Vale from Bolton?
- Who is the current Bolton Wanderers manager?
- Who is the record Bolton sale?
- In which year were the club formed?
Quiz answers below:
- Dennis Politic
- Ian Evatt
- Nicolas Anelka
- 1874