Port Vale v Oxford Utd preview – can Valiants build on draw at Orient?
Every point is vital right now as the Valiants try to close the gap so fans will be hoping the team will bring the same effort as they displayed in midweek. Here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Oxford United
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Vale Park stadium
- Date: 16th March, 3pm
It was a much improved performance in midweek against Leyton Orient and Vale fans will be keen to see the same attitude and application on Saturday afternoon. This is still an unbalanced Vale side lacking depth in key areas so the side need to show 100% commitment if they are to challenge in games.
PRE-MATCH QUOTE
They did what was needed to get the right kind of result…and we have to do that and more on Saturday if we are to get the right result…
Darren Moore’s message to his players..
FANS PANEL
I feel the first goal will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. I’m hoping for a win, I would be satisfied with a draw but I’m expecting a defeat…
Read the views of our latest fans panel discussing the match against Oxford United.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
Vale looked much more of a threat on Tuesday so the midfield and attack – with Massey and Mighten on the flanks – may remain unchanged. However, the defence still looked shaky at times and Darren Moore may contemplate bringing in Kasper Lopata.
Injuries
Mitch Clark is likely to miss this one while there’s no news on loanee Dan Gore and striker Uche Ikpeazu is still some distance away from returning.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 8th
- Form: D-L-L-W-L
- Top-scorer: Mark Harris (9)
- Manager: Des Buckingham
Season so far
Despite a recent poor run of form, Oxford will still harbour hopes of a play-off push this season.
Last game
A heavy 5-0 defeat away at Bolton in midweek.
Man in charge
39 year-old Des Buckingham has a varied coaching career covering India, New Zealand and Australia. He was appointed in November and has eight wins from 26 games in charge.
ARCHIVE
Brief highlights of a 2-2 draw from back in 1992 thanks to our onevalefan YouTube channel.
Visit our channel for hundreds more vintage Vale clips.
CONNECTIONS
Current
Oxford striker Mark Harris spent a spell on loan at Vale Park earlier in his career. He made six appearances in 2018 without scoring.
Former
In recent years, players to appear for both sides include striker Matty Taylor, goalkeeper Jack Stevens and winger Cristian Montano
Looking further back…
Striker Arthur Longbottom sadly passed away in September. The forward scored 22 times in 60 games for Port Vale between 1961 and 1963 before moving onto Oxford where he netted sixteen times in 42 games.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 12
- Draws: 11
- Port Vale losses: 14
Brief History
Oxford Utd was founded on 27 October 1893 as Headington Football Club. Oxford United adopted its current name in 1960. It joined the Football League in 1962. Two successive promotions led the club into the First Division in 1985 and it won the League Cup in 1986. However, relegation from the top flight in 1988 started an 18-year decline which saw the club relegated to the Conference in 2006. After four seasons, Oxford returned to League Two in 2010 via the play-offs, and six seasons later achieved promotion to League One.
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 Oxford manager?
- In what year was the club formed?
- Which former Vale loanee now plays for Oxford?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Des Buckingham
- 1893
- Mark Harris
Marco polo
15th March 2024 @ 6:13 pm
Hope 4 the best , prepare 4 the worst .
RON
16th March 2024 @ 10:49 am
This would be a good one to win because if results go our way we get close to a few teams where our games in hand mean we could catch up so bit more hope appearing if we win
Vale fan
16th March 2024 @ 5:09 pm
Seen it absolutely unbelievable CLEAR, the decks that includes the Shenanigans,you are killing our club, 8 shots at goal, I am ashamed of you, leave now and take your master Flitcroft with you.You are taking the P ***,you should pay the supporters go in and support this CRAP,The manager has not been there long they are not his players, he is not for Port Vale, how many did you interview Carol, one, yes 1.If I didn’t know better I would say you and Flitcroft are trying to destroy our club from inside, and you are doing a good job of it.Get shut of Flitcroft the supporters have had enough of the crap that is going on up there at Vale park, If JR was in charge he would not let half of the team that played today be ball boys