Port Vale v Fleetwood preview – it’s simple, it’s a must-win game for the Valiants
After the chastening home loss to Lincoln City, the importance of Vale picking up points in midweek is now paramount to any hope of survival.
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Fleetwood
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Port Vale stadium
- Date: 27th February, 7.45pm
So, how was Saturday afternoon for you? The game against Lincoln could not have got off to a worse start and that loss means that this game now becomes an absolute must-win match for the Valiants. Let’s hope that Vale produce the right result and with that in mind, here’s our preview piece…
MORE NEWS AND OPINION
Port Vale owners’ firm is reportedly purchased for £180m
Media reports say that Synectics Solutions, the company owned by Port Vale FC owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan has been sold after a “feverish” bidding process.
“Trapdoor looms” – five thoughts after a dire day at Vale Park
Rob Fielding thinks that it may already be too late, but the side simply has to win against Fleetwood following their capitulation against Lincoln City at the weekend.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
Surely there has to be changes after that loss? We’re not sure what Darren Moore will opt for but this may be the opportunity to (injury allowing) start Alex Mighten in place of Jenson Weir, replace captain Nathan Smith with loanee Kacper Lopata and perhaps even think about bringing Rhys Walters into the midfield.
Injuries
Mighten is a doubt for this game, Mitch Clark may return to the squad but it’s too early for striker Uche Ikpeazu.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 23rd
- Form: W-L-D-L-D
- Top-scorer: Stockley (6)
- Manager: Charlie Adam
Season so far
It’s been a pretty dreadful season for Fleetwood who are beset with problems both on and off the pitch. They have been in or around the relegation zone all season and have already appointed three managers this season.
Last game
Fleetwood picked up an away point at Exeter thanks to a strike by Promise Omochere.
Man in charge
Former Blackpool, Liverpool and Stoke City midfielder was handed his first managerial position on New Year’s Eve. He has two wins from eleven games in charge.
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 goalkeeper Chris Neal, strikers Ryan Edmondson, Jamie Proctor and Ellis Harrison.
Looking further back…
Winger Charles Rattray was known as jazz (not because of his penchant for long drum solos and herbal cigarettes but because he used to “jazz about with the ball”). He sounds like our sort of player. He started his career with Blackpool, winning promotion in 1930 before spending the 1937-38 season with Port Vale. After 25 appearances for the Valiants he left for Accrington Stanley before finishing his career with hometown club Fleetwood.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 5
- Draws: 4
- Port Vale losses: 4
Matches
The two sides first met in a competitive fixture in September 2012 when the Valiants recorded a spectacular 5-2 away victory. The last meeting was earlier this year when Vale lost 3-0 in what proved to be Andy Crosby’s last game in charge.
Brief History
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.
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 Fleetwood manager?
- In what year was the club formed?
- Which promotion winning Port Vale keeper also played for Fleetwood?
- What was the score the last time the two sides met?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Charlie Adam
- 1997 ( in its current incarnation)
- Chris Neal
- Fleetwood 3-0 Port Vale
Richard Clegg
27th February 2024 @ 7:02 pm
Nothing more then 3 points will do,a penalty in the 1st minute then 89 minutes of boredom will do
Mt M A Chapman
28th February 2024 @ 2:49 pm
Its getting harder towards the last 12 games I’m afraid they are a league 2 side anyway keep the faith I’m a Kidderminster harriers fan we could just avoid the drop from national league