Notts County v Port Vale preview – Valiants look to bounce back after late midweek disappointment

Vale were gutted after a late Colchester equaliser in midweek. Can they bounce back with a good performance against in-form Notts County? Here’s our preview…

The Vale perspective

Form

Reasonable. The Valiants made it five unbeaten with the home draw against Colchester but that draw felt a lot like two points dropped as Vale were in command for most of the game. Colchester’s gamesmanship upset the Vale though and it was a bitter blow that Samson Tovide, seen by many as the villain of the night, netted a late equaliser.

Fitness

Midfielder George Byers is extremely likely to miss out as his injury on Tuesday is still being assessed. Benicio missed that game too but for personal reasons rather than injury. Vale also have their longer-term absentees out – Mitch Clark, Conor Grant and Sam Hart.

Team selection

This could be interesting… one change seems simple and that is – Ryan Croasdale in for George Byers. But we wonder whether Connor Ripley’s position will come under review? When he signed, Ben Amos made it clear he was not here as mere back-up and Ripley’s form so far has been somewhat patchy. The other decisions for Moore include picking a back three or a back four.

Viewing guide

This game is not available on Sky+ in the UK so fans will not be able to watch. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

43 year-old Stuart Maynard is the club’s head coach having been appointed in January 2024. Maynard began his managerial stint with a three year spell at Wealdstone, steering them to their highest League position for 34 years. His record at County stands at eleven wins from thirty games in charge.

Form

Ironically, despite their recent good run of form, Notts County lost their last League game at home – 0-1 to Gillingham. However, that’s their only loss in League Two so far this season. Their last game was an excellent 2-0 away win over Carlisle United.

Squad and signings

County are still active in the transfer market having recently brought in free agent Josh Martin. In the summer they added a host of players – keeper Alex Bass, forward Jevani Brown (on loan), Charlton defender Lucas Ness, MK Dons midfielder Conor Grant, Matty Platt, Jacob Bedeau, Nick Tsaroulla, Rod McDonald, Curtis Edwards, Kellan Gordon plus free agents Robbie Cundy and Jack Hinchy.

Connections

Current connections

Goalkeeper Aidan Stone is a member of the Notts County squad but he won’t appear in this game as he is currently on loan with National League side Boston United. Stone will be fondly remembered at Vale Park for his performances during Vale’s successful play-off campaign in 2022. However, he never managed to nail down a regular starting place after that and moved on to County in 2023. There’s also a former Valiant who could feature. Veteran striker David McGoldrick had a spell on loan with Vale earlier in his career.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. The list includes defender Connell Rawlinson, defender Dan Jones, centre-half Liam Chilvers and defender Richard Duffy.

Featured connection

Striker Lee Hughes had notable spells with both clubs. Signed by County in 2009 he totalled 66 goals in 144 games for the club. A long-term target for Vale, the club’s initial move in 2012 was thwarted due to incomplete paperwork. The Valiants moved again in the New Year and Hughes proved to be a key player as Micky Adams’ side won promotion in 2013. He scored 13 times in 34 games before moving on to Forest Green.

History

Last time we met

There was a drab 0-0 draw back in 2019 when Neil Aspin’s Vale side were held at home. Defender Nathan Smith played in that game and is the only player who still remains at the club. Vale’s last visit to Meadow Lane ended in a 2-2 draw with Tom Pope scoring an 89th minute equaliser after Luke Hannant opened the scoring.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 1893 when it ended in a comprehensive 6-1 loss for the Valiants. Meshach Dean was the scorer of Vale’s first goal against County. Vale bounced back in the next game, winning 1-0 thanks to a winner from Alf Wood.

Memorable matches

There have been some high scoring affairs over the years. As we’ve mentioned, the first game ended in a 6-1 win for County. It got worse for Vale in the following seasons with County winning 10-0 in 1895 and 7-2 the following season. However, Vale have had their moments too. There was a 6-2 win in 1927 and 4-1 in 1946. However, probably the most dramatic game was a 5-3 victory for Vale in 1935. Cliff Berks and Fred Mitcheson both scored twice while Tom Nolan (pictured) scored the fifth.

Archive

Some photos from our archive…

Brief history

County were founded on 28 November 1862 and is the oldest professional association football club in the world. They were a founder member of the Football League in 1888. Their highest League position was third in 1891. They also won the FA Cup in 1894. After a controversial takeover by Munto finance, the club had financial problems and dropped out of the League in 2019. They returned in 2023.

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…

Notts County v Port Vale match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Stuart Maynard
2. Aidan Stone
3. 1862
4. Les Bradd

The tough one: 10,771

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