Port Vale v Stevenage preview – can Moore’s men pick up a first home win against early pacesetters?

Time for Stockley?

It’s not sure if Jayden Stockley is being rested as he’s not quite fit or whether his bench duty is a tactical decision. However, the big targetman brings out the best in Lorent Tolaj and Ronan Curtis was quiet on Saturday. Perhaps a second League start for the experienced forward is probably due?

Who could replace Byers?

It’s unclear if Vale will appeal the controversial red given to skipper George Byers and it’s not certain that,even if they do, whether he will be available for this clash. Presuming he is not able to play it seems to be a choice between Jordan Shipley, Rhys Walters and Rico Richards. The more experienced Shipley seems the most likely to be picked by Moore.

One from two at left wingback

Jaheim Headley’s return from suspension gives Vale a selection quandary on the left. Headley’s attacking prowess probably makes his first choice but Liam Gordon has done little wrong in his absence and could keep his place regardless.

Injuries

Moore hinted that Ben Garrity and Jordan Gabriel will be available this week but this Tuesday night game is probably too early for either of them to make the squad. Meanwhile, striker Ruari Paton remains some distance off as does goalkeeper Ben Amos.

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

Marosi – Humphreys, Debrah, Hall – Clark, Croasdale, Ojo, Shipley, Gordon – Stockley, Tolaj

Port Vale manager Darren Moore hopes trio will be back in action next week

Summer business

Stevenage looked to have performed some good deals in the summer, chief among them the capture of the exciting Phoenix Patterson from Fleetwood. Other signings include keeper Filip Marshall, a rumoured Vale target, and experienced Plymouth midfielder Filip Marshall.

Meet the manager

Alex Revell is in his second spell as manager. Initially appointed in February 2020, he was sacked in November 2021 with the club nearing the relegation zone. However, after the departure of Steve Evans, he was made interim manager in April and given the job on a permanent basis over the summer. His record has a 30% win ratio from 138 games in charge.

Recent form

Three wins out of three mean Stevenage have a 100% record and are top of League One. At the weekend they defeated Northampton Town 2-0.

Team news

The visitors have no fresh injury problems and it would not be a surprise to see them name the same XI as the Northampton game.

Last season

14th in League One.

Brief History

Stevenage Borough were founded in 1976 following the demise of the town’s former club. They reached the Conference in 1994 but were denied promotion in 1996 after failing to meet ground requirements. However, the club did eventually win promotion in 2010. After promotion, the club dropped “Borough” from their name and won promotion to League One in 2011 before being relegated back to League Two in 2014. They bounced back to League One in 2023.

Stadia

The club plays at Broadhall Way, which was previously the home to Stevenage Town and Stevenage Athletic. It has a capacity of 7,300.

Trivia

When the club was first formed in 1976, they arranged to play Hitchin Town Youth at Broadhall Way as a “curtain-raiser” game. However, the Broadhall Way stadium had been sold to a local businessman and to prevent football being played he dug a trench across the length of the pitch. Subsequently, Stevenage started off life at a local playing field before acquiring the ground lease in 1980.

Port Vale 2-2 Stevenage report – Ojo strikes late against Stevenage once again as Vale claim a point

Fixture history

The two sides first met in a competitive fixture in 2009 for an FA Cup tie with Adam Yates scoring Vale’s first goal against Stevenage. The first League meeting took place in 2011 and ended in a 3-1 Vale loss. Vale’s first win in the League didn’t come until 2020. The last game ended in a 2-2 draw at Vale Park thanks to a last-gasp Funso Ojo equaliser.

Classic clash

To be honest, there haven’t been that many memorable games between the two sides. Let’s go for a dramatic FA Cup clash in 2024 which sadly ended in a Vale shootout loss.

Recent player connections

There are no players in either squad who have appeared for both sides. In recent years, players to appear for both include former Vale captain Tom Conlon, midfielder Tom Pett, defender Ryan Johnson and striker Tyler Walker who had loan spells at both clubs.

Vintage connection

With Stevenage a relatively new club, there haven’t been many signings from yesteryear. Possibly one of the first players to appear for both was striker Paul Mahorn, who played a solitary game for Vale in 1998. He then joined Stevenage later that year.

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 Stevenage manager?
What is the name of the Stevenage stadium?
When were Stevenage formed?
What was the score when the sides last met?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

Alex Revell
Broadhall Road
1976
Port Vale 2-2 Stevenage

Quiz ratings

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

0/4 – Rhys Williams
1/4 – Kofi Balmer
2/4 – Antwoine Hackford
3/4 – Brandon Cover
4/4 – Oli Arblaster