Port Vale v Colchester Utd preview: in-form Valiants can’t be complacent but should be confident…

The win over Swindon made it a run of four League Two games unbeaten for Darren Moore’s side – can they make it five on Tuesday night against Colchester United?

The Vale perspective

Form

Good. The Valiants made it four unbeaten with the home win over Swindon Town on Saturday. Vale have won their last two home League games so can they possibly make it a hat-trick on Tuesday evening?

Fitness

There appear to be no fresh injury concerns with Darren Moore conforming Benicio missed Saturday’s game due to a personal issue. It means Vale just have their longer-term absentees out – Mitch Clark, Conor Grant and Sam Hart.

Team selection

Hmmm, will there be a rotation policy in place for this game? We wouldn’t bet against it. It’s been tricky to work out Darren Moore’s selections but there could be recalls to the starting line-up for the likes of Ethan Chislett, Jesse Debrah and Benicio.

Viewing guide

Port Vale’s midweek games are available on Sky+ in the UK so fans not able to make the game will be able to watch. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

45 year-old Danny Cowley was appointed as Colchester manager in January after the departure of Matthew Etherington. Cowley rose to fame with a highly successful spell at Lincoln City and has also managed Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth. His record at Colchester is seven wins from thirty games in charge.

Form

It seems to be a season of two halves for Colchester. Their home form has seen them record three wins but they have yet to get a victory away from home. Their last result on their travels was a 4-0 loss to Walsall on Friday night – their third League defeat of the season.

Summer signings

Manager Danny Cowley has, like Darren Moore, rung the changes in the summer. Crowley has brought in eleven new signings including new captain Tom Flanagan, ex-Nottingham Forest striker Lyle Taylor and former Lincoln City midfielder Teddy Bishop.

Connections

Current connections

Highly popular left-sided defender Connor Hall returned to Vale Park this summer after a spell at Colchester United. An influential signing from Harrogate Town in January 2022, Hall was a key member of the side which won promotion to League One that year. Talking of defenders, former loanee Aaron Donnelly is in the Colchester ranks after joining on loan in August. Donnelly had a similar spell with the Valiants in 2023.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. The list includes forward Gavin Massey, goalkeeper Sam Hornby (pictured), defender Liam Chilvers, winger Luke Hannant and midfielder Doug Loft.

Featured connection

Striker Bobby Gough served both sides with distinction. He was one of manager Gordon Lee’s first signings as Port Vale manager and scored nine times during Vale’s 1969-70 promotion season. He left in 1974 after 229 appearances and 35 goals. In 1976 he joined Colchester United and earned promotion with them in 1977. He left the club in 1981 after eighty goals from 232 games.

History

Last time we met

A disappointing performance back in 2022 saw the Valiants lose 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Tom Dallison-Lisbon. Former Vale player Luke Hannant (pictured) was in the Colchester ranks while Vale included future Colchester signing Connor Hall in their backline.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 1951 when it ended as a honourable 1-1 draw. Alan Bennett (pictured) scored the Vale’s first-ever competitive goal against Colchester. However, Vale had to wait until 1958 for their first victory, a run of five games. That win was a 2-0 home win thanks to goals from Freddie Steele and Jack Wilkinson. The two sides’ biggest wins came within a year of each other… Colchester winning 4-1 in 2003 and Vale 4-1 in 2004.

Memorable match

There was a dramatic 4-3 Vale victory back in 2003. In a topsy-turvy game, Vale took the lead through Sam Collins only for Colchester to hit back and take a 2-1 lead at the break. Second-half goals from Billy Paynter, Ian Armstrong (pictured) and Steve McPhee looked to have won it but a late third for the visitors meant a nervy final few minutes.

Archive

Some photos from our archive…

Brief history

The club was formed in 1937 and began playing in the Southern League before joining the Football League in 1950. One of their most memorable games was a 3-2 FA Cup victory over Leeds United in 1971. They left Layer Road after a 71 year stay and relocated to their new stadium in 2008.

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 Colchester Utd match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Danny Cowley
2. Connor Hall
3. 1937
4. Tony Adcock

The tough one: 3,786

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