Port Vale v Stockport County preview – anticipation not at fever pitch as Papa Johns competition kicks off
Port Vale v Stockport County preview: it’s undoubtedly one of the least appreciated cup competitions as Vale are set to rotate their squad.
Match Info
Venue: Vale Park stadium | Date: 30th August 2022, 7.45pm | Competition: Papa Johns Trophy group stages
Predict the score
Team news
There are bound to be changes for this game as Darrell Clarke rests some key performers. So, it’s a good chance for us to guess who will be in the line-up…
In goal, we are expecting to see Aidan Stone (pictured). In defence, Dan Jones and Will Forrester could feature and there may even be a first sighting of summer signing Derek Agyakwa. In midfield, Harry Charsley is likely to be handed a start while youngster Tommy McDermott could also feature. On the flanks, Sam Robinson and Chris Hussey could come into the side while loanee Mipu Odubeko could well start upfront.
And the visitors…
After their promotion to the Football League, Stockport have rung the changes. Former Vale forward Ben Whitfield (pictured) has departed while there have been eight incoming moves including Notts County forward Kyle Wootton, Torquay midfielder Kyle Lemonheigh-Evans, Torquay defender Joe Lewis, Northampton stopper Fraser Horsfall and Bradford midfielder Callum Camps.
It’s proved a tough return to the Football League for Stockport this season. They began the new 2022/23 campaign with two straight defeats and had skipper Paddy Madden sent-off as they drew with Swindon Town this weekend.
Man in charge
Former Tranmere Rovers and Bury player Dave Challinor took over as manager in 2021 and guided the club back to the Football League in the summer. Challinor has also managed Hartlepool United.
Familiar faces
There’s a reasonable chance that defender Ryan Johnson could face his former club. Johnson was a Darrell Clarke signing in the summer of 2021 but after making just three starts for the club he was sold to Stockport for an undisclosed fee in January 2022. He has now made 28 appearances for County including five this season.
There’s another familiar face in the Stockport squad in striker Scott Quigley, who spent a spell on loan at Vale Park during the 2018-19 season.
Face from the past
Central defender Gareth Owen made over 200 appearances for both Stockport and Vale during a lengthy playing career. Owen played for Stockport between 2006 and 2009 before he joined the Valiants in 2008 where he enjoyed a five year spell.
Through the years…
The two sides first met in 1900 when it ended in a 1-0 home defeat for the Valiants. The last meeting in this competition was in 2009 when Vale recorded a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Lewis Haldane, Louis Dodds and Marc Richards (pictured).
Last time we met…
The two teams last met in 2011 when it ended in a 2-1 home defeat for the Valiants. Sean Rigg was the scorer of Vale’s consolation goal.
Overall record
31 Port Vale wins | 20 draws | 24 Port Vale losses
From the archives
Images from that memorable game at Wembley stadium…
A brief history of…
Stockport County were formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers and they were renamed Stockport County in 1890. They joined the Football League in 1900. They dropped out after one season only to return in 1904 and County then played in the Football League continuously for 106 years until 2011 when they were relegated to the National League. They returned to League Two in the summer.
Were you paying attention?
Our traditional quiz…
- Who is the current Stockport manager?
- What was the score the last time the two teams met?
- In which year were the club formed?
- Which current Stockport defender used to play for Vale?
Answers below (no cheating)…
- Dave Challinor
- Port Vale 1-2 Stockport County
- 1883
- Ryan Johnson