Port Vale v Wolves U21 preview – under pressure Moore will ring the changes for a mostly meaningless clash

We’ve long made our opposition to B sides being allowed in the Football League Trophy (the club is in the name) and many other fans will treat this game with contempt too. However, with Darren Moore under pressure after two poor results, perhaps this game now has added significance.

The Vale perspective

Form

Well, where do you start? It’s been a chastening couple of games for Darren Moore. The 4-0 away loss to Barrow was followed by a 3-2 defeat at Vale Park to Doncaster Rovers. Moore’s tactics have come under much scrutiny and he probably now needs this cup game to help rebuild trust.

Fitness

The Valiants will surely not take any risks on anyone carrying an injury. That means the likes of Sam Hart, Connor Hall and Jayden Stockley are all expected to be rested. The defence has been much criticised in recent weeks so is this the time to ease the experienced Nathan Smith back into action after his summer lay-off?

Team selection

Darren Moore has already suggested changes will happen for this game. There could be run-outs for recent loan signings Rico Richards and Antwoine Hackford. Ben Amos will probably get another outing in goal while the likes of George Byers and Diamond Edwards could get more match minutes.

Viewing guide

All Football League Trophy games are being broadcast by Sky+ and are being shown to fans in the UK.

The opposition

Man in charge

46 year-old Jamie Collins was formerly a coach at Crewe Alex before making the move to Wolves. Collins holds the UEFA Pro licence, UEFA – A licence and is one of just sixteen coaches to graduate through the Level 5 elite coaches award

The squad

• 19 year-old forward Fletcher Holman has scored plenty of goals while playing non-league football and has been called up to Wolves Premier League squad.
• Defender Alfie Pond was signed from Exeter City in 2022 and has had a loan spell with Stockport County.
• Locally-born midfielder Ty Barnett is another youngster who has been included in Wolves Premier League squad.
• 20 year-old defender Justin Hubner has six full caps for Indonesia

Connections

Current connections

The Valiants could face goalkeeper James Storer, who was previously in the Valiants Academy. The youngster was sold to Wolves in 2018 for what was reported to be a sizeable fee. Now aged 19, he signed his first professional contract with the Wanderers in 2022.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes the late defender Lee Collins, forward Chris Cornes (pictured), defender Bob Hazell and midfielder Mark Salmon.

Featured connection

Playing in the Premier League for Ipswich Town probably seemed a long way away when Sam Morsy was released from the Wolves junior ranks. He subsequently joined the Valiants where he progressed through the youth ranks and made 78 senior appearances. He left the club after a spat with manager Micky Adams and following spells with Chesterfield, Wigan and Middlesbrough he joined Ipswich in 2022 where he helped the club to successive promotions.

History

Last time we met

The Valiants triumphed 2-0 in the 2022 group stages thanks to goals from Mal Benning and loanee Mipo Odubeko. The game also saw one of the two senior appearances that defender Derek Agyakwa made for the club. According to our match report it was mainly a “dour affair.”

Fixture history

The sides have only met on one other occasion. In 2020, Vale recorded a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Harry McKirdy and Zak Mills. It came after Tyler Perry had given the visitors a shock twentieth minute lead.

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 clipping and a photo both involving the Wolves senior side…

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 Wolves U21 match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Jamie Collins
2. Port Vale 2-0 Wolves U21
3. Two

The tough one: Indonesia

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