Port Vale v Doncaster Rovers preview – Valiants need response after bruising Barrow loss

After their chastening defeat at Barrow over the weekend, Vale fans will be hoping to see a much improved Vale performance in Burslem.

The Vale perspective

Form

The pressure is on manager Darren Moore after that awful second-half display at Barrow. The Valiants had started off the season solidly with three clean sheets before conceding four in forty five minutes at Barrow.

Fitness

Darren Moore sounded an optimistic note on Vale’s injuries saying that decisions will be made on Connor Hall and Sam Hart while Kyle John was withdrawn on Saturday due to fatigue and not injury. It means all three could play. However, if Hall doesn’t make it, experienced Nathan Smith could return while Jack Shorrock offers cover at left wingback.

Team selection

Even if the injured players are passed fit, we’re still expecting changes for this game. Targetman Jayden Stockley could come in upfront while Lorent Tolaj, George Byers and Benicio may also come into contention.

Viewing guide

This game has been selected by Sky+ and is being shown to fans in the UK. It has switched from its regular 3pm slot as a result. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

44 year-old Grant McCann is in his second spell with Rovers. The Northern Irishman has also managed Peterborough United and Hull City. His overall record at Rovers is 57 wins from 122 games in charge.

Form

Doncaster began this season with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Accrington. They also beat Salford City in the League Cup and Morecambe in the League. Their sole defeat was a 3-1 loss to Newport County.

Summer signings

The headline signing of the summer was veteran striker Billy Sharp, who rejoined the club fourteen years after he last played for them. They have snapped up several players on loan – Chelsea goalkeeper Ted Sharman-Lowe, Bristol City winger Ephraim Yeboah, Hull City defender Brandon Fleming and West Ham midfielder Patrick Kelly. There have also been a healthy number of permanent signings – Solihull midfielder Joe Sbarra, Carlisle winger Jordan Gibson, Grimsby midfielder Harry Clifton and Hull City defender Tom Nixon.

Connections

Current connections

Port Vale wingback Conor Grant spent a spell on loan with Doncaster Rovers earlier in his career. He made 21 appearances, scoring once in 2017. In the opposition side is strapping defender Tom Anderson who spent a loan spell with the Valiants back in 2017. Manager Darren Moore has also played for Rovers and managed both sides.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes midfielder Anthony Griffith, striker Mipo Odubeko, midfielder Harry Middleton and striker Theo Robinson.

Featured connection

Respected defender John Nicholson was signed from Liverpool by Port Vale in 1961. A regular in the Valiants defence, he made 208 consecutive appearances for the club. He was sold to Doncaster in 1965 and was sadly killed in a car crash in 1966 aged just 29. Port Vale FC donated a sizeable sum to his widow as a mark of respect.

History

Last time we met

A goalless Football League Trophy game was notable for one of only three Vale appearances by goalkeeper Miguel Santos. The Vale team also featured Sam Hart, who was then on loan from Liverpool.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 1901 when it finished in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Bert Eardley (pictured) was the scorer of Vale’s first goal against Rovers. Vale’s first win came a year later in 1902 when they recorded a 3-0 home win at the Old Rec.

Memorable matches

The 1956-57 season was one of contrasts with Doncaster triumphing 4-1 at home and the Valiants winning the return match 4-1. Vale’s biggest win came in 1988 when Darren Beckford netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 home win. The other goals came from David Riley and Ray Walker. There’s a clipping of the match report below.

Archive

This website has been in operation for over 25 years and in that time has acquired lots of Port Vale related memorabilia (we have over 10,000 Port Vale images). Here’s a few clippings involving this week’s opponents..

Brief history

Doncaster Rovers were formed in 1879 and entered the Football League in 1901 as a replacement for New Brighton Tower. They initially only lasted two seasons in the League before being voted out before being elected in again in 1905. Finishing bottom of the League they were promptly voted out again. They returned in 1924. They dropped out of the League again in 1998 before returning in 2003. Their current home – the Keepmoat stadium – was built in 2006.

Opinion and quiz

Discuss the game

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…

Port Vale v Doncaster Rovers match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Grant McCann
2. Three
3. 1901
4. Conor Grant

The tough one: 37,159

How do you think the match will go for the Valiants? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.