Barnsley v Port Vale preview – back to the nitty gritty of the League after Cup exit

Wingback woes?

It’s been a running theme of our previews but the injuries to Liam Gordon and Mitch Clark have only increased Vale’s issues on the flanks. It means Jordan Gabriel is the only fit, recognised right wingback while Jaheim Headley and Jack Shorrock will compete for the left-side.

All change?

After Vale made multiple changes for the League Cup clash, expect a number of changes for this tie. We expect to see striker Devante Cole, captain Ben Garrit and midfielder George Byers return.

Strike force?

The return of Jayden Stockley after injury gives Moore a welcome dilemma upfront. Does he stick with the Cole-Paton partnership or does Stockley come in, perhaps at the expense of the Irishman?

Vale aiming for the treble?

After that slow start to the season, a win at Oakwell would make it three consecutive League wins and progress up the table. It is, of course, much easier said than done…

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

Gauci – Humphreys, Debrah, Hall – Gabriel, Croasdale, Byers, Headley – Garrity – Cole, Paton

“Out for some considerable time” – Liam Gordon injury blow

Meet the manager

Conor Hourihane was appointed first-team coach under Darrell Clark in 2024. Following the departure of Clarke in March 2025 Hourihane was appointed interim head coach before being handed the job permanently in April. His record stands at eight wins from 21 games in charge.

Recent form

Barnsley were thumped 6-0 by Brighton in the League Cup in midweek. In terms of League One form they have won three out of the last four games.

Team news

Barnsley will be without defenders Marc Roberts and Georgie Gent plus attackers Patrick Kelly and Fabio Jalo due to injuries. However, veteran David McGoldrick is set to return after missing out on the cup tie.

Dangerman

Former Mansfield man Davis Keillor-Dunn has five League goals already.

Last season

12th in League One.

Brief History

The club was founded in 1887  and since 1888 they have been based at the Oakwell stadium. They joined the Football League in 1898. They reached the FA Cup final, where they lost out to Newcastle United after a replay. In 1912, they reached the FA Cup final again, and defeated West Bromwich Albion 1–0 once again after a replay. They have also won the Football League Trophy in 2016.

Stadium

The stadium’s name, Oakwell, originates from the well and oak tree that were on the site when first built.

Trivia

There was a hugely controversial incident in 1920. Having finished the previous season’s Second Division in third place, Barnsley expected to achieve First Division status for the first time, but the Football League instead chose to call a ballot of the clubs. The League voted to promote sixth-placed Arsenal, for reasons of history over merit. Sir Henry Norris, the then Arsenal chairman, argued that Arsenal be promoted for their “long service to league football”, having been the first League club from the South of England. There were accusations of bribery and bias but nothing could be proved, so Barnsley missed out.

Match reports from Port Vale’s most successful season ever…

Fixture history

The two sides first met in 1898 in Vale’s fifth season of League football. The opening game of the 1898-99 season, it ended in a 2-0 win for the Valiants. The return leg was a 2-1 loss. Vale’s Richard Evans scored in both ties while Jim Peake scored Vale’s first-ever goal against the Tykes.

Last time we met

The two clubs last met in the FA Cup back in November 2024. It finished in a comfortable 3-1 away win for Barnsley. Vale’s last League visit to Barnsley ended in a humbling 7-0 loss. A striker called Devante Cole scored a hat-trick. I wonder where he is now?

Player connections

Port Vale deadline day signing Devante Cole will be returning to a club where he made over a hundred appearances and scored 40 goals over two spells. Vale goalkeeper Joe Gauci also had a loan spell with the Tykes, making seven appearances. As for Barnsley, striker David McGoldrick had a loan spell with the Valiants earlier in his career. Other players to appear for both in recent years include Vale loanee Kacper Łopata, midfielder Antony Kay and winger Chris Shuker.

Vintage connection

Striker Marc Richards served both clubs with distinction. He joined Barnsley in 2005 where he played in their 2006 play-off final win over Swansea City. After eighteen goals in 81 games, he joined Vale in 2007 after being signed by Martin Foyle. It proved to be a masterstroke as Richards was top-scorer for four seasons in a row and scored 75 times in 202 games.

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 Barnsley manager?
When were Barnsley formed?
What was the score when the sides last met?
Who is Barnsley’s record scorer?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

Conor Hourihane
1887
Port Vale 1-3 Barnsley (FA Cup)
Ernie Hine

Quiz ratings

Today’s theme is Port Vale players who have also played for Barnsley. How did you fare?

0/4 – Kacper Łopata – barely featured for us
1/4 – Antony Kay – member of the Michael Brown relegation team
2/4 – Chris Shuker – member of the 2003 promotion side
3/4 – Devante Cole – a really bright start to his career
4/4 – Marc Richards – a reliable scorer over several seasons