Port Vale v Exeter City preview – quite simply it’s one of the most important Vale games of the season

The Valiants slipped back into the relegation zone in midweek and now every point is vital. It’s therefore of maximum importance that the side get something from their home games, including, of course, this one. Here’s our preview…

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Preamble

It was a chastening result for Darren Moore’s side in midweek. The comprehensive 3-0 loss to Peterborough starkly showed the gulf in class between the top sides and the Valiants. It could arguably have been a heavier defeat but thankfully for Vale’s goal difference just the three goals were shipped. It’s now of paramount importance that the Vale bounce back quickly or they could be in real danger at the bottom.

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Team news

Starting XI

It’s entirely possible that Darren Moore’s line-up against Peterborough was designed as a ultra-defensive one to try and counter Posh’s attacking threat. Clearly, it didn’t work but even if it had, it’s unlikely he would have picked such a defensive line-up for this game. The key question will be whether midfielder Funso Ojo is fit to start. There is also the possibility of the likes of Ethan Chislett and Baylee Dipepa coming into the starting eleven to give the Valiants a greater attacking threat. It’s possibly too soon to think of new signing Deklan Wynne starting but could he make the bench?

Injuries

James Wilson is out for the season, while Mitch Clark and loanee Dan Gore are both long-term injured. There were also reports of loanee Alex Mighten picking up a knock too.

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The opposition

Season so far

Seemingly deep in relegation contention during the first-half of the season, Exeter successfully strengthened during the January window (yes, strengthened during the January window, Vale fans!) and have hauled themselves to mid-table safety. Ominously for Vale, they are in decent recent form.

Last game

A 2-2 midweek draw with Leyton Orient thanks to a 90th minute equaliser by Tom Carroll.

Meet some of the players

Some of the players to watch out for include:

• Mo Eisa was prolific for MK Dons and joined Exeter in the New Year
• Forward Reece Cole joined from Hayes and Yeading in the summer and is the top-scorer this season
• Former Stoke midfielder Ryan Woods joined on loan from Hull in January
• Experienced Ben Purrington is yet another January addition, this time from Ross County

Meet the man in charge

Gary Caldwell has been in charge since October 2022 and has won 28 of his 84 games in charge.

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Connections

Current

Port Vale striker Ryan Loft once had a spell on loan at Exeter. However, it was very much a “blink and you’ll miss it” spell as the then Spurs striker played for just 45 minutes. And talking of forgettable loan spells… Exeter include former Vale loanee Zak Jules who, having signed in January 2018, played just 141 minutes in a Vale shirt before being omitted for the rest of the season.

Recent

Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include goalkeepers Scott Brown (pictured) and Dino Visser as well as defenders Aaron Martin and Richard Duffy.

Featured

Striker Jack Wilkinson had prolific spells with both clubs. He signed for Port Vale in 1957 and scored 41 times in 84 games during a two year spell. After winning promotion for the Valiants in 1959, he was sold to Exeter City for £2,500. He went on to score 27 times in 52 games for his new club.

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History

Matches

The two sides first met in a competitive fixture in 1938 when it ended in a 3-1 win for the Valiants. Recent visits to St James Park have resulted in mixed results – there was that dramatic win in 2022 when Vale secured a place in the League Two play-offs. Earlier this season, Vale secured a vital away win thanks to a winner from Oliver Arblaster The picture (above) was taken during that game.

Brief History

Exeter City were founded in 1901 and played their games at St James Park, the stadium which they still play at till this day. They were invited to join the Third Division in 1920. They lost their Football League status in 2003 before returning in 2008. They have proudly been in fan ownership for over twenty years.

Trivia time

Teenage striker Baylee Dipepa made his Football League debut for Vale in the away fixture.

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Opinion and quiz

Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans –

Exeter City (H) match thread

Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz

• Who is the current Exeter City manager?
• Which Vale loanee scored in the fixture earlier this season?
• Which Vale player made his Football League debut in the same game?
• In what year was the club formed?
• Which prolific forward, who signed for Vale in 1957, played for both clubs?

(answers below – no cheating)

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Quiz answers

1. Gary Caldwell
2. Ollie Arblaster
3. Baylee Dipepa
4. 1901
5. Jack Wilkinson