We take a leaf through the pages of a Port Vale home programme from 1980.
About the season and the match
The season
Managed by John McGrath this was a season of contrasting fortunes in Division Four. Vale started strongly with four home wins. However, a slump occurred and by February Vale were bottom of the Football League. They also suffered a shattering FA Cup loss to Enfield with loan keeper Steve Cherry to blame. However, the Chamberlain brothers, Mark and Neville were starting to show their potential as was goalkeeper Mark Harrison. As a result, Vale recovered to finish in 19th spot with Neville Chamberlain top scoring with 13 goals.
Note: the team photo doesn’t name Mark Chamberlain, second from right middle row
The match
This was a Boxing Day game and as so often is the case it ended in disappointment with Lincoln winning 1-0. A paltry (for the festive period) crowd of 4,237 attended. 24 hours later Vale would lose 5-1 away At Northampton Town. This programme has particular significance for site editor Rob Fielding as it was the first Port Vale game he attended. The disappointing loss set him up for a life as a Vale fan.
Related features
The programme
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