Port Vale v Stevenage preview – managerless Valiants need something to lift the pressure
There’s set to be a rookie on the bench and not the Director of Football – yet somehow Vale need to try and get at least a point against play-off chasing Stevenage. Here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Stevenage
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Vale Park stadium
- Date: 10th February, 3pm
There’s plenty of upset fans at Vale Park right now. Much of that ire is for Director of Football David Flitcroft – criticised for his performance in the January transfer window and for not stepping up to manage the team after the dismissal of Andy Crosby. There was a clear chorus for him to “get out of our club” after the home loss to Leyton Orient.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
After the disappointing loss to Leyton Orient what can the Vale do? It’s possible there may be a recall for captain Nathan Smith but otherwise there doesn’t seem to be much opportunity for change especially upfront where Vale may have to stick with Ryan Loft and James Wilson despite Wilson’s five game barren run and just one goal in 23 appearances for Loft.
Injuries
Loanee Dan Gore and attacker James Plant are both expected to miss out. Ben Garrity, Mitch Clark and Uche Ikpeazu remain long-term injured.
OPPONENTS
- League position:
- Form:
- Top-scorer:
- Manager: Steve Evans
Season so far
It’s been an excellent start in League One for Stevenage after their promotion last season.
Last game
Stevenage somewhat surprisingly lose 1-0 at home to Reading in midweek.
Man in charge
Love him or loathe him, there’s no denying that Steve Evans has been excellent while in charge of Stevenage. The 61 year-old boasts a 52% win ratio from 104 games in charge.
CONNECTIONS
Current
Striker Ryan Loft had a loan spell with Stevenage in 2017 when he made nine appearances without scoring.
Former
Former Vale captain Tom Conlon made his professional debut while on the books at Stevenage. Other players to appear for both sides in recent years include forward David Amoo, midfielder Tom Pett and forward Harry McKirdy.
Looking further back…
Striker Paul Mahorn was a one game wonder for Vale, making a solitary appearance in 1998. After leaving Vale he then joined Stevenage Borough.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 4
- Draws: 11
- Port Vale losses: 5
Matches
The two sides first met in a competitive fixture in 2009 for an FA Cup tie with Adam Yates scoring Vale’s first goal against Stevenage. The first League meeting took place the following year. The last meeting was Vale’s disappointing FA Cup exit earlier this season.
Brief History
Stevenage Borough were founded in 1976 following the demise of the town’s former club. They reached the Conference in 1994 but were denied promotion in 1996 after failing to meet ground requirements.
However, the club did eventually win promotion in 2010. After promotion, the club dropped “Borough” from their name and won promotion to League One in 2011 before being relegated back to League Two 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 Stevenage manager?
- In what year was the club formed?
- Which current Port Vale striker also played for Stevenage?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Steve Evans
- 1976
- Ryan Loft
David raftery
9th February 2024 @ 12:17 pm
Inexperienced management team again will stubborn carol be the owner who takes the vale out of the league at the end of next season ?
Vale fan
9th February 2024 @ 2:15 pm
At most Stevenage will play against a one man Vale side
Vale fan
9th February 2024 @ 2:17 pm
Sorry that should read 9 man Vale side
Philip Goodwin
9th February 2024 @ 2:56 pm
I think the article should say ‘after the dismissal of Andy Crosby’ or are you trying to build our hopes up?
Rob Fielding
9th February 2024 @ 5:20 pm
Good spot – corrected!
Ant Page
9th February 2024 @ 7:47 pm
Come on El President, time to get involved and help bring in some quality in the back room.
Ainsworth for me.
UTV