Cheltenham Town v Port Vale preview – can Valiants bounce back from Derby heartache?
Cheltenham Town v Port Vale preview – it’s a trip to Gloucestershire as the Valiants look to get back to winning ways…
Predict the score
Preamble
It’s two defeats in a row at home for Darrell Clarke’s side. However, they were victorious on their last away trip. Can they repeat the trick?
Pre-match comments
We put a really good shift in (against Derby) and should be coming away with at least a point but it is what it is and we have to look forward to Cheltenham at the weekend.
Port Vale defender Lewis Cass
We care, the group care, so we are hurting tonight – that’s a good thing – because if we weren’t hurting, I’d be a little more worried. The group is hurting and despondent but myself, the staff and I am sure our fans will pick us up and we will be ready to go come Saturday.
Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke
I have seen a lot of Port Vale, with the way the games fall when watching opposition. I went to their game against Derby County and they were very good. Darrell Clarke has done a very good job, getting them up last season and establishing them in League One this year. They’ll be a real test.
Cheltenham Town manager Wade Elliott
Port Vale team news
So, will the Valiants stick or twist after conceding those two late goals on Tuesday night? After scoring against Derby, it’s likely that Funso Ojo will keep his place in midfield. However, one possible change could see Mipo Odubeko coming in for Dennis Politic upfront.
Another welcome addition to the Vale squad is that Jamie Proctor, out for so long, made the Vale bench on Tuesday. However, it remains to be seen if either of injured strike duo James Wilson or Ellis Harrison will be involved.
Opposition team news
Liam Sercombe is out for this one but with the likes of Elkan Baggott and Ryan Jackson back in training, the home side otherwise don’t appear to have any fresh injury concerns. One to watch out for is striker Alfie May who has netted on his last four League appearances.
Form guide
Both teams have endured poor recent form. Cheltenham last won at home back in November.
Port Vale: W-L-W-L-L
Cheltenham: L-L-W-L-L
Man in charge
Former Bournemouth and Burnley midfielder Wade Elliott was appointed as a coach in 2020 and was promoted to head coach in June 2022 following the departure of Michael Duff. He has a win ratio of 35% from 34 games in charge.
Familiar faces
Striker George Lloyd had a truncated loan spell with the Valiants last season after he picked up a stomach injury. The youngster has been in and around the Cheltenham squad this season and could feature against his former club. The 22 year-old has made six appearances without scoring so far this campaign.
There’s also former Vale defender Charlie Raglan who could line up in the visitor’s defence.
Vintage connections
Goalkeeper Scott Brown had notable spells with both clubs. Brown made almost 300 appearances with Town and won promotion, while he made almost 150 appearances for Vale and won player of the year in 2019.
Through the years…
The two sides first met in 2002 when it finished in a 1-0 away victory for the Valiants thanks to a winner from striker Tony Naylor. The Vale are unbeaten in their last five home games against the Robins.
Last time we met…
The Valiants secured a 2-2 draw with Mipu Odubeko and Will Forrester the Vale goalscorers.
However, a late equaliser by Charlie Brown earned the visitors a point.
From the archives
Images from a 2-2 draw at Vale Park back in 2018.
A brief history of…
Cheltenham Town were formed in 1887 but they didn’t reach the Football League until 1999 when they were promoted from the Conference. They were relegated back to the National League in 2015 only to return in 2016.
Were you paying attention?
Our traditional quiz…
- Who is the current Cheltenham Town manager?
- What was the score the last time the two teams met?
- In which year were the club formed?
- Which striker scored for Vale in the clubs’ first meeting?
Answers below (no cheating)…
Quiz answers…
- Wade Elliott
- Port Vale 2-2 Cheltenham
- 1887
- Tony Naylor