Peterborough Utd v Port Vale preview – tough away task as managerless Valiants try to build on recent draw
The Valiants snatched a late point on Saturday and would love to go one better at Peterborough in midweek – but on paper it looks a tough task. Here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Peterborough Utd
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Weston Homes stadium
- Date: 13th February, 7.45pm
They are coming thick and fast aren’t they? After midweek disappointment against Orient, a last-gasp draw at home to Stevenage what will happen on Tuesday evening in Peterborough?
Following the departure of Andy Crosby, unless things change after this is published, the Valiants will remain managerless with Darren Moore the latest to be linked.
Meanwhile, here’s a rundown of the names linked to the Port Vale hotseat.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
With Ryan Loft out through illness at the weekend, Vale are down to the bare bones upfront and would be happy to see Loft return. The Valiants will probably be unchanged if Loft can’t make it with captain Nathan Smith returned to the back three.
Injuries
We’ve mentioned Loft’s return and loanee Dan Gore could also be close to a return. Wingback Mitch Clark has returned to training but may not be in contention yet. Uche Ikpeazu and Ben Garrity still remain some weeks away from returning.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 5th
- Form: D-W-L-L-L-L
- Top-scorer: Mason-Clark (10)
- Manager: Darren Ferguson
Season so far
As usual, Peterborough are in contention for promotion despite a loss of form which has seen them lose their last three games.
Last game
The Posh suffered a poor 5-2 loss at Wycombe at the weekend. Manager Darren Ferguson said: “It’s a very, very poor result when you concede five goals. We were just so passive, there was no urgency.”
Man in charge
Ferguson is in his fourth spell as Peterborough boss. He is now closing on 800 games as a manager – with over 500 in charge of Posh.
ARCHIVE
Take a look at our feature portraying a 1977 matchday programme between Port Vale and Peterborough United.
CONNECTIONS
Current
There are no current players in either squad who have played for both sides.
Former
Over the years there have been several players to appear for both including striker Idris Kanu, midfielder Anthony Grant, defender Shaun Brisley and former skipper Tom Conlon
Featured
Striker Ricky Miller was Neil Aspin’s showpiece signing as Port Vale manager. Signed for an undisclosed fee from Peterborough, hopes were high that he would reach the heights of his scoring exploits in non-league. However, despite scoring on his debut, his spell at Vale was a disappointment and he left by mutual consent after six goals in 35 games. He later told the media he had suffered mental health issues while in Burslem.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 18
- Draws: 16
- Port Vale losses: 20
Matches
The two sides first met in 1961 when it ended in a 1-0 home defeat for the Valiants. Vale have a wretched recent record against Posh and haven’t scored against them in their last four meetings.
Brief History
Peterborough United were formed in 1934. They were elected into the Football League in 1960 and immediately won the Fourth Division title in 1960–61. They secured a place in the Championship after manager Darren Ferguson led them to consecutive promotions in 2007–08 and 2008–09 and spent three of the next four seasons in the second tier. They were relegated back into League One in 2013, although they went on to win the Football League Trophy in 2014.
Predict the score
And finally
Discuss
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…
Quiz time
- Who is the current Peterborough manager?
- What year was the club formed?
- When did they win the Football League Trophy?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Darren Ferguson
- 1934
- 2014
What are your thoughts on the game? Click here to add a comment
Bert
12th February 2024 @ 8:23 pm
Tough game, would take a point.
Ross
13th February 2024 @ 2:10 pm
Tough game ahead would love to see us get a draw but fear their forwards will score possibly 3 or more goals tonight