Port Vale v Doncaster Rovers preview – can Valiants secure an overdue win?

Time for Walters?

Vale look a little short in central midfield. George Byers is suspended, Ben Garrity is still gaining match fitness and Funso Ojo and Jordan Shipley both left the field with knocks on Tuesday. Maybe it’s time for Rhys Walters, so impressive at the tail end of last season to make the squad? Many Vale fans are surprised he hasn’t made it already!

What’s the forward partnership?

Darren Moore also needs to work out his best forward pairing. Lorent Tolaj looks in decent form after his goal in midweek but who should partner him? Ronan Curtis maybe isn’t best in a central role, Jayden Stockley and Ruari Paton are both injured – which leaves Ben Waine and Mo Faal. Perhaps the Wrexham loanee’s physical strength may be the best foil for the Swiss striker?

Can Vale maintain their concentration?

The Valiants will be gutted to let slip two late goals on Tuesday night. Midfielder Ryan Croasdale says the team has “got to learn quickly” and the supporters will hoping that will be the case on Saturday.

Injuries

They may be mounting up. Ben Garrity made a return in midweek while Ruari Paton is back training but may not feature. However, Jayden Stockley is now out for a “few weeks”, Kyle John looks to be out of contention and both Funso Ojo and Jordan Shipley limped out of the Stevenage game.

Possible Vale line-up (3-5-2)

Marosi – Humphreys, Heneghan, Hall – Clark, Croasdale, Ojo, Walters, Gordon – Faal, Tolaj

Four thoughts after the loss to Stevenage – Tolaj looks the part but needs a partner

Summer business

Rovers looked to have played it sensibly in the summer adding some proven performers in defender Matty Pearson and former Wycombe striker Brandon Hanlan. At the same time, they have held on to star man Luke Molyneux.

Meet the manager

45 year-old Grant McCann always seems to be the manager of either Peterborough United or Doncaster Rovers having had three spells and two spells, respectively at the two clubs. He also had a three year stint at Hull City and is nearing 500 games as a manager. His latest spell at Rovers began in May 2023 and he has 59 wins from 120 games in charge as well as guiding the club to promotion last season.

Recent form

A win at Mansfield on the opening day has been followed by a draw and a defeat to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

Team news

Jamie Sterry appears to be the only doubt with Doncaster having an otherwise fully fit squad.

Last season

1st in League Two.

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.

Stadia

The club started life at the Intake ground before a brief move to the Bennetthorpe Ground. In 1922, they moved to Belle Vue where they were to remain until 2006. In 2007, the club moved to the 15,000 seater Keepmoat stadium now renamed the Eco-Power stadium in a sponsorship deal.

Trivia

Doncaster were first elected to the Football League in 1901, but they only lasted two seasons before being voted out in favour of local rivals Bradford City.

Clippings: two thumping Port Vale victories over Doncaster Rovers

Fixture history

The two sides first met in 1901 in what appears to have been an entertaining 3-3 draw. It was the opening game of the season and Bert Eardley scored Vale’s first-ever goal against Rovers. The most recent meeting was last season when it finished 2-1 back in January. Ryan Croasdale and Lorent Tolaj were the men on target for the Valiants.

Classic clash

Take a look at our archive above for a 5-0 Vale win from the 1987-88 season.

Recent player connections

Striker Mo Faal has had loan spells with both clubs. Goalkeeper Marko Marosi also had a five year stay with Rovers. Port Vale manager Darren Moore has also had a spell in charge of Doncaster. Other players to appear for both in recent years include defender Tom Anderson, midfielder Harry Middleton and wingback Danny Amos.

Vintage connection

John Nicholson was a model of consistency at the back for Port Vale during a four year stay between 1961 and 1965. His sale to Doncaster for £5,000 was greeted by protests from supporters. Sadly, his spell at Rovers was to be halted by tragedy as Nicholson was killed in a car crash. He was only 29. Port Vale Directors donated a sizeable sum to his widow after hearing the news.

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 –

Match thread for the game

Quiz

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

Who is the current Doncaster Rovers manager?
When were Doncaster Rovers formed?
What was the score when the sides last met?
Which current striker has had loan spells with both clubs?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

Grant McCann
1879
Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Port Vale
Mo Faal

Quiz ratings

Today’s theme is overseas signings. How did you fare?

0/4 – Carlos Saleiro
1/4 – Jermaine Holwyn
2/4 – Anthony DeFreitas
3/4 – Jan Jansson
4/4 – Robin van der Laan