Fleetwood v Port Vale preview – Moore’s men need to recapture top form

After only managing a home draw in midweek, Port Vale could ideally do with picking up three on the road at the weekend. Here’s our preview…

The Vale perspective

Form

We keep repeating ourselves on this one but it’s frustrating. Yes, Vale have continued their unbeaten run for 2025 but too many of the results could arguably have been better. With it being so tight at the top, it’s really crucial that Vale step up a gear and convert points into wins.

Fitness

Captain Ben Garrity, Jaheim Headley and Jayden Stockley will once again be missing for this game. It looks like the Valiants otherwise have a fully fit squad to select from.

Team selection

If you asked some fans then they would like to see an attack-minded player, such as Ethan Chislett or Rico Richards added to the midfield. However, with this being an away fixture, it’s likely the side will be roughly the same as the midweek game against Harrogate. However, Darren Moore may make one change and opt for the more experienced Sam Hart at left wingback.

Viewing guide

This game is not available on Sky+ in the UK. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

Former Oldham, Halifax and Barrow boss Pete Wild took over in December. The 40 year-old has been in charge for fifteen games with a 40% win ratio.

Form

Decent. Fleetwood are unbeaten in their last three games which includes two wins. They are currently in twelfth place in the League Two table.

Team news

Shaun Rooney will be ‘touch and go’ after sustaining a knock in the game against Notts County. However, former Vale loanee Kian Harratt has returned to training and could feature. Zech Medley is out despite having returned to training.

Connections

Current connections

The Valiants could potentially line-up against play-off final hero Kian Harratt who has recovered from injury. He joined the club on a permanent basis in January after an earlier loan spell. There are also two Fleetwood old boys in the expected Port Vale starting eleven in defender Ben Heneghan and striker Jayden Stockley – although neither may feature.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. The list of recent players includes four forwards in Ellis Harrison, Ryan Edmondson, Dan Butterworth (both of whom had loan spells with the Valiants) and Jamie Proctor.

Featured connection

Chris Neal served both sides with distinction. The keeper is best remembered at Vale Park for his role in the 2012-13 promotion side. Seen as the best Vale goalkeeper since Mark Goodlad, he made 143 appearances. He spent a two year spell at Fleetwood where he made 36 appearances. He is currently the goalkeeping coach at AFC Fylde.

History

Last time we met

The Valiants were bang in form earlier this season when they won 3-1 at home. The goals came from Rico Richards, Ryan Croasdale and Ronan Curtis. Vale were top of the League Two table at the time.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 2012 when it ended in a memorable 5-2 win for the Valiants. More on that below. However, the Vale lost the return match 0-2 at Vale Park. In addition to their League meetings, the clubs have met once in the League Cup with it ended in a 3-2 win for Vale. Ethan Chislett scored the winner.

Memorable match

That first meeting between the sides was one to remember for the Vale fans. Tom Pope and Louis Dodds both scored braces with Ashley Vincent scoring the other goal. It was played in front of 3,392 fans.

Brief history

Fleetwood Town was established in 1997 and is the fourth incarnation of the club which was originally formed in 1908. The current incarnation of the club came into existence as Fleetwood Wanderers in 1997 and changed their name to Fleetwood Town in 2002, Under the ownership of Andrew Pilley they won promotion to the Football League in 2012.

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…

Fleetwood v Port Vale forum thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Pete Wild
2. Ben Heneghan and Jayden Stockley
3. 1997

The tough one: 3,497

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