Reading v Port Vale preview – take two as relegation rivals play rearranged fixture
The first game was abandoned on sixteen minutes after crowd protests against the Reading owner. With their recent form, the Valiants will surely take less drama and some points from this rearranged game. Here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Reading
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Select Car Leasing stadium
- Date: 20th February 2024
It was a dramatic (and frustrating) day for the Valiants a month ago when their game against struggling Reading was abandoned. Circumstances have changed now with Vale deep in the relegation zone while the home side have climbed out. The Valiants’ 3-2 loss to Cheltenham at the weekend means that picking up points against another struggling side is of paramount importance.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
The Valiants could receive a significant boost if midfield talisman Ben Garrity is passed fit to make the squad. Manager Darren Moore said the player was fit and in training alongside wingback Mitch Clark and the pair could give the new Vale boss some welcome options. However this game may come a little too early to risk Garrity from the start – a bench role is more likely.
Injuries
Just after returning to the squad, Dan Jones limped off during the defeat to Cheltenham. James Plant is close to a return but striker Uche Ikpeazu may be several more weeks yet.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 18th
- Form: D-W-W-D-L
- Top-scorer: Knibbs (7)
- Manager: Ruben Seles
Season so far
It’s been a tough introduction to League One football for financially challenged Reading. They had an awful start which hasn’t been helped by point deductions for financial mis-management but have rallied in recent weeks.
Finance woes
We’ve probably all heard the news about missed payments and point deductions at Reading. Having been there too, (on two occasions) we offer our support to SBWD (Sell before we Dai) a group looking to force a change of ownership at the club. We’ve had similar protests at Vale over the years and as fellow football fans we feel we should always back other supporters whose clubs are in trouble – more details on the Reading campaign here
Last game
Reading’s revival was comprehensively ended with a 4-1 loss to Portsmouth at the weekend.
Man in charge
Ruben Seles had a brief spell in charge of Southampton before being appointed Reading boss in the summer. He’s been in charge for 42 games with a 35% win ratio.
ARCHIVE
Taken from our YouTube channel, where you can find hundreds of vintage Port Vale clips, are the highlights of a 3-1 Port Vale win from back in 1991.
CONNECTIONS
Current
Striker Uche Ikpeazu started his professional career at Reading but moved on without making a first-team appearance. In the home squad is defender John Clarke, signed from Vale’s youth ranks and who has made a handful of first-team appearances.
Former
Other players over the years to appear for both sides include strapping central defender Bob Hazell, winger Alex Smith, forward Tony Rougier and defender Andre Bikey.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 24
- Draws: 14
- Port Vale losses: 25
Matches
One a fairly regular fixture, this season’s early game was the first meeting in twenty odd years. It ended in a 1-0 win for the Valiants. The clubs first met in 1926 when it ended in an honourable 1-1 draw. Vale’s first win came two fixtures later when they on 3-0 at home in 1927. Record scorer Wilf Kirkham was on the target during that fixture.
Brief history
Reading were formed in 1871. They did not join the Football League until 1920 but recent success meant the club did reach the top-flight in 2006. Reading won the 1987–88 Full Members’ Cup and were one of only two Second Division clubs to lift the trophy. They played at Elm Park for 102 years until they moved to the Madejski Stadium in 1998.
Image: copy from a 1950 Port Vale home programme for a game versus Reading
PREDICT THE SCORE
AND FINALLY
Discuss
Our dedicated match thread on the forum is the place to go to debate the match before, during and after the action. View the thoughts of fellow fans and add your comments…
Quiz time
- When were Reading formed?
- Who is their current manager?
- What was the score the last time we met?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- 1871
- Ruben Seles
- Port Vale 1-0 Reading