Port Vale v Leeds Utd U21 preview – not the cup highlight of the season for the Valiants

Rotation inevitable

As per usual, we expect a wholescale rotation of the squad for this game. Striker Ruari Paton could get a start and a chance to push his claims while Marko Marosi will be expected to start in goal. The likes of Liam Gordon, Kyle John and Jordan Shipley could all make starts too while there’s also the chance of deadline day signings Devante Cole and George Hall being in the squad although that seems unlikely.

Which youngsters will play?

The Football League Trophy games also give fans a chance to see the future at the club. There could be opportunities for the likes of Jack Shorrock, Ben Lomax and perhaps the club’s latest professional, Joe Williams to be involved in the squad.

Post-window joy?

With this game taking place after the summer window closes, Vale fans can be excused for being distracted after the headline-grabbing signing of striker Devante Cole. The news has certainly boosted confidence in Vale’s ability to stay in the division. Only this weekend this website was crying out for an experienced striker to join – and Moore and co delivered.

Possible Vale line-up (3-4-1-2)

Marosi – Lomax, Debrah, John – Gabriel, Ojo, Shipley, Gordon – Richards – Paton, Brown

Opinion: this is no time for unproven forwards with potential, Vale need to try and add an experienced player

Meet the manager

37 year-old Scott Gardner is a former professional player who first started coaching the Leeds U21 side in 2023. He was appointed to the post on a full-time basis in January 2024.

Recent form

Unlike the Valiants, the Leeds U21 have been full of goals this season. They’ve scored eight times in their three matches with centre-half Alfie Cresswell leading the way with three goals so far.

Competition history

This is the first time Leeds Utd U21 have featured since 2023. During that season they exited at the group stage but at least managed an eye-catching 5-3 win over Tranmere. That is one of just two wins in three seasons of taking part in the competition. They began back in 2020 with a whopping 7-0 loss to Accrington.

Ones to watch

Sixteen year-old forward Harry Gray, with two goals already will be one to keep an eye on. Midfielder Sam Chambers has already played for the first-team despite being just 18 years of age. Darko Gyabi is an England U21 International.

A reminder of the rules

Some of the unique competition rules are:

• The U21 sides are only allowed to play away fixtures and not at their home ground.
• In the group stages, if the score is level after ninety minutes then there will be a penalty shootout with the winners awarded an additional point.

Fixtures

After this game Vale will play:

• Accrington Stanley away on the 7th October
• Fleetwood Town at home on the 11th November

Trivia

The most successful clubs in the competition are Bristol City and Peterborough United, who have lifted the trophy three times each. The Valiants would join them if they happened to win the Trophy this season.

How the national press covered Port Vale’s Autoglass Trophy win

Fixture history

The Valiants have never faced Leeds U21 in a competitive fixture. However, they have played the senior side on a regular basis starting with the first game back in 1920 (which Vale won 2-0). The last game was a League Cup game in 2017 which Vale lost 4-1.

Classic clash

There was a dramatic League One clash in 2008 which ended all-square. Played at Vale Park, Leeds were 2-0 up at the break only for Vale to claw it back thanks to goals from Paul Harsley and Danny Whitaker. Leeds looked to have won it through Rui Marquez but Luke Rodgers scored in the 90th minute to snatch a draw.

Player connections

There’s no players in either squad who have played for the opposition. However, in terms of the Leeds senior side, recent players to appear for both include Vale loan signing Liam McCarron, midfielder Danny Pugh and on loan full-back Tyler Denton.

Vintage connection

Defender Paul Beesley was another influential signing by Vale manager John Rudge. He’d played for Leeds in 1995 before moving on to Man City £500,000. Two years later the canny Rudge snapped him up on a free transfer and he made 41 appearances for the Valiants in the second tier.

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 Leeds Utd U21 manager?
Who is Leeds U21’s top-scorer so far this season?
Who are the other teams in Vale’s Football League Trophy group?
Who are the two most successful clubs in the Football League Trophy competition?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

Scott Gardner
Alfie Cresswell
Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood Town
Bristol City and Peterborough Utd

Quiz ratings

Today’s theme is a niche one – Port Vale strikers who debuted in the Football League Trophy (yes, it is fairly slim pickings)… How did you fare?

0/4 – Nelson Agho
1/4 – Jordan Archer
2/4 – Harry McKirdy
3/4 – Mipo Odubeko
4/4 – Baylee Dipepa