It’s the first cup game and the first Vale Park fixture as Andy Crosby’s side need to bounce back from an absolute hammering. Here’s our preview…
Venue: Vale Park stadium | Date: 8th August 2023, 7.45pm | Competition: League Cup
Predict the score
Preamble
Well, how do you bounce back from that? After their humbling on Saturday all eyes will be on how Vale bounce back (or not) at Vale Park. Having said that, Vale have exited at home in the first round stage in the last two seasons – so they will be keen not to make it a hat-trick. It’s also the debut of a piece of electronic equipment, and you can read about that in the next segment…
All-change for the Port Vale scoreboard…
In case you’ve missed it, it’s been a big summer for the scoreboard at Vale’s stadium. After many years of service, the old Hamil Road End scoreboard was removed (here’s our gallery of the old scoreboard in action) and Vale announced that a new, fancy-dan big screen would replace it. That board is now in situ and ready to update the fans on Tuesday night…
Pre-match quotes
You have to learn very quickly Do you let that define you? Do you let that (the 7-0 loss) affect you. Maybe some people do but I certainly won’t…
Port Vale manager Andy Crosby
Today was clearly not what we wanted or expected and from me personally I want to apologise to the travelling fans! It wasn’t good enough and everyone is hurting! Thankfully we have a game Tuesday to make things right…
Port Vale keeper Connor Ripley
Port Vale team news
It’s tricky to know what Crosby will decide to do for his fixture. He could change pretty much the whole starting eleven (perhaps with the exception of Connor Ripley) after that result. We’d expect to see the likes of Alex Iacovitti, James Plant and Ethan Chislett starting this game.
However, this is the cup and it’s conceivable Crosby could use the cup competition to rotate his squad and give younger players a chance. If the latter then there’s a chance we may see the likes of youngsters Tommy McDermott, Rhys Walters and Jack Shorrock in the matchday squad.
Vale’s one to watch…
Loanee Connor Thomas looked lively and full of running when he came on as a sub on Saturday. He was one of the few players to escape without his reputation in tatters and his pace could be a useful asset for the Vale. Will he earn a start on Tuesday night?
Opposition team news
Fleetwood had considerably less drama on the pitch than Vale as they played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday. However, there’s been more drama off the pitch for the visitors. Owner and former chairman Andy Pilley has been jailed for a multi-million pound fraud which “duped” firms into expensive energy contracts. He is serving thirteen years behind bars. The club clearly haven’t let those events overshadow their summer recruitment plans with midfielders Ryan Broom and Danny Mayor, full-back Adam Montgomery and Derry winger Ryan Graydon all signing up.
Fleetwood’s one to watch…
Forward Jack Marriott has always been a dangerous player at this level and he proved it with eight goals in nineteen games since moving to Fleetwood from Peterborough United. Now 28 years of age he should be in prime form and is likely to be a constant menace to the Vale defence.
Man in charge
Manager Scott Brown looks set to be at Fleetwood for the long-term after agreeing a two-year deal in the summer. The former Scotland International has managed the club for 57 games with a 33% win ratio.
Familiar faces
This time last season, striker Ellis Harrison was in the Fleetwood squad for their League opener against Vale. Weeks later, he had agreed a move to Burslem and ended up as the club’s top-scorer last season. He had a two year spell with Fleetwood, scoring six times in twenty appearances.
Reserve keeper Jayson Leutwiler also had a brief spell with Fleetwood in 2020 but departed as the club were unable to afford to keep him on their books.
Old boys club…
The Valiants had two more former Fleetwood players in loanee Dan Butterworth and striker Jamie Proctor last season. Further back, the likes of Joe Davis, Chris Neal and Paul Edwards also had spells with both clubs.
Through the years…
The two sides first met in a competitive fixture in September 2012 when the Valiants recorded a spectacular 5-2 away victory. The last fixture at Vale Park was the opening home game of last season when Connor Hall and Nathan Smith netted in a Port Vale home win
Last time we met…
The return fixture at the Highbury stadium ended in a 1-1 draw with loan striker Matty Taylor scoring for the Valiants only for a late Jack Marriott effort to level the scores.
Overall record
4 Port Vale wins | 3 draws | 4 Port Vale losses
From the archive
A 2-1 win from back in 2016 with Big Reg to the rescue…
A brief history of…
Fleetwood Town was established in 1997 and is the fourth incarnation of the club which was originally formed in 1908. The current incarnation of the club came into existence as Fleetwood Wanderers in 1997 and changed their name to Fleetwood Town in 2002, Under the ownership of Andrew Pilley they won promotion to the Football League in 2012.
Our traditional quiz…
- Who is the current Fleetwood head coach?
- What was the score the last time the two teams met?
- In which year were the club formed?
- Who was the last Port Vale scorer against Barnsley?
Answers below (no cheating)…
Join the debate
Our forum is the place to be to discuss the game. Join the debate before, during and after kick-off and share your thoughts with fellow Vale fans. Just click on the link below:
Quiz answers
- Scott Brown
- Fleetwood 1-1 Port Vale
- 1997
- Matty Taylor
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