Port Vale v Rochdale preview – will Vale get their revenge in the FLT?
Port Vale v Rochdale preview: it’s been a good run for the Valiants – will it continue in the Football League Trophy? Here ‘s our preview…
Match details
Details:
Port Vale v Rochdale, Football League Trophy group stages
Where:
Vale Park stadium
When:
Tuesday 5th October, 7pm
Last time we met?
The two sides last met earlier this season when Rochdale won a dramatic 3-2 victory at Vale Park. The last visit between the two sides in the FLT ended in a 1-0 win to Rochdale back in 2013. There have also been two other games in the FLT ending in a win apiece.
Overall record:
23 Vale wins, 23 draws and 12 defeats.
Valiants team news
Same again? It’s pretty unlikely. However, after impressive performances off the bench on Saturday, it’s likely that David Amoo and Dennis Politic will both be given starts in this game. Darrell Clarke may also use the game to give Devante Rodney a run out after the striker served his suspension on Saturday. Keeper Aidan Stone is also likely to come in while Mal Benning, Ryan Johnson and Jake Taylor could all start as well.
Opposition team news
Manager Robbie Stockdale reported a fully fit squad ahead of their weekend game with Bradford City but like Vale, the opposition are expected to make changes for this game.
Man in charge: Robbie Stockdale
- Age: 59
- Appointed: July 2021
- Games in charge: 12
- Win ratio: 41%
FLT story so far…
Port Vale
It’s been a losing start to the group stages for the Valiants after a narrow 3-2 loss to Bolton Wanderers. The plusses were the first goals of the season for captain Tom Conlon and forward David Amoo. After this game with Rochdale, Vale complete the group stages with a game against Liverpool B.
The opposition
Rochdale secured a comprehensive win in their first group game as they triumphed 4-0 against Liverpool B. Corey O’Keefe scored two of the goals. They will complete their group stage with a game against Bolton Wanderers.
Connections
Port Vale Director of Football David Flitcroft spent four years as a player at Rochdale making 188 appearances. Otherwise, there’s no current players who have appeared for both clubs. However, there have been several in recent years including full-back Scott Tanser, forward Calvin Andrew and striker Rekeil Pyke.
Vintage connection
Full-back Gerry Keenan joined Port Vale from Bury in 1978 for a £15,000 fee. A regular pick during his four year spell with the Valiants, he made 114 appearances for the club, scoring seven times. He was given a free transfer in 1982 and subsequently made 38 appearances for them. After his playing career finished, Keenan spent many years working as part of the Vale hospitality team before he retired in 2019.
From the archives
A vintage programme with the cover showing star winger Mark Chamberlain being awarded with an award by manager John McGrath.
Potted history
Rochdale were founded in 1907 and were invited into the Third Division North in 1921. They reached the League Cup final in 1962 and won promotion from the Fourth Division in 1969. More recently, Rochdale won promotion to League One in both 2010 and 2014.
Were you paying attention?
Here’s a quick quiz on the opponents:
- What was the score at Vale Park earlier this season?
- Who is the current Rochdale manager?
- Who scored for Vale in their last FLT game?
Quiz answers (no cheating):
- Port Vale 2-3 Rochdale
- Robbie Stockdale
- Tom Conlon and David Amoo