Wrexham v Port Vale preview – hardly a Hollywood ending as Vale face third cup game in a row
It’s probably the least glamourous fixture of the three cup ties as the Valiants face Wrexham in what is a dead rubber of a Football League Trophy group game… here’s our preview.
MATCH PREVIEW
Wrexham v Port Vale: Tuesday November 7th, Racecourse Ground stadium, Football League Trophy group stages, 7.30pm.
PREAMBLE
There’s very little to play for in terms of points as both sides have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition. However, the game may still be useful in terms of match fitness and confidence ahead of Vale’s return to League action.
This is the third cup game in a row with Vale so far unbeaten after a League Cup win and an FA Cup draw.
TEAM NEWS
So this is where it gets interesting especially at the back. Vale are beset with injury issues and it’s the defence that will cause the biggest headache. It could be that Lewis Cass is the only fit recognised defender although Jack Shorrock dropped into the back three in the last Football Trophy game. It still leaves Vale a man short if they field a back three as Nathan Smith, Alex Iacovitti, Kofi Balmer and Dan Jones all appear to be unavailable.
Elsewhere, we expect changes. Rhys Walters, Tom Conlon and recent signing Adeteye Gbadehan could all come into the midfield while upfront there’s a chance of more gametime for Uche Ikpeazu and Ryan Loft.
OPPOSITION
The home side sit in third place in League Two and top of the Football League Trophy Group B table. They defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 in the FA Cup and are currently on a three game winning streak. The club’s top scorer is Elliott Lee with ten goals so far.
MAN IN CHARGE
The well-travelled Phil Parkinson was appointed in July 2021 and he helped Wrexham to promotion to the Football League in 2023. He’s been in charge for 130 games with a 63% win ratio.
PAST MEETINGS
The clubs first faced each other in 1929 when it finished as a 2-0 win for the Valiants. However, it’s been a while since the last game. The clubs last met in a Carling Cup tie in 2007. It finished 1-1 after 90 minutes with Luke Rodgers on target for Vale before Wrexham won the penalty shootout. This is the first time the two clubs have met in the Football League Trophy competition.
BRIEF HISTORY
Wrexham AFC were founded in 1864 making them the oldest club in Wales. Wrexham’s honours include winning the Welsh Cup a record 23 times, the Football League Trophy in 2005 at the Millennium Stadium and the FA Trophy in 2013 at Wembley Stadium.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Wrexham goalkeeper Rob Lainton had an injury plagued spell with the Valiants between 2017 and 2018. The former Bury keeper managed just seven appearances for the club. Things have gone somewhat better at the Racecourse ground with Lainton totalling over a hundred appearances for the Welsh club.
Other players to appear for both sides in recent years include striker Dior Angus, defenders Shaun Brisley and Theo Vassell.
OVERALL RECORD
27 Port Vale wins
17 draws
21 Port Vale losses
THE QUIZ
Our now traditional match preview quiz. How many will you get. Answers below (no cheating!)…
- Who is the current Wrexham manager?
- When was the club formed?
- Which former Vale keeper is in the Wrexham squad?
- How many times have the clubs met in the Football League Trophy?
JOIN THE DEBATE
Our dedicated match thread on the forum is the place to go to discuss the match before, during and after the action. View the thoughts of fellow fans and add your comments…
GO'ARN THE VALE!
Quiz answers:
- Phil Parkinson
- 1864
- Rob Lainton
- Never