It’s the return of former Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke to Vale Park in the FA Cup second round. Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Bristol Rovers
- Date: Saturday December 6th, 3pm
- Competition: FA Cup second rounds
- Viewing guide: not available to stream
Darren Moore: pressure’s on
Talking points
Managers past and present in the spotlight
All eyes will be on the men on the sidelines for this game. Former manager Darrell Clarke brings his Bristol Rovers side to Burslem at a time when the pressure is mounting on current boss Darren Moore. Moore could do with a second cup win in a week to take some of that pressure off.
Cup continuity?
After such an impressive win in midweek, will Moore be tempted to keep faith with that starting eleven? One factor will be the fitness of Kyle John who was replaced at half-time.
Known injury list
Ben Garrity, Mitch Clark, Jordan Gabriel and Liam Gordon are all long-term injured.
Possible Vale line-up (4-2-3-1)
Amos – John, Debrah, C.Hall, Headley – Byers, Walters – Brown, Paton, Waine – Faal
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Bristol Rovers
- Manager: Darrell Clarke
- Stadium: The Memorial Stadium
Need to know
Meet the manager
47 year-old Darrell Clarke needs little introduction to Vale fans after his two year spell in the Potteries. Clarke is in his second spell with Rovers having rejoined the club in May. His record for this spell is eight wins from 23 games in charge.
Recent form
Pretty awful. Rovers have lost their last eight League games.
Last match
Bristol Rovers drew 2-2 in the Football League Trophy in midweek but lost a penalty shootout to opponents Cambridge United 4-2.
Darrell Clarke celebrates promotion with Rovers
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record appearance holder: Stuart Taylor, 564
- Record goalscorer: Geoff Bradford, 242
- Best FA Cup performance: quarter-finals (three times)
The Memorial stadium
Over the years
Brief History
The club was founded in 1883 as Black Arabs FC and entered the Bristol & District League as Eastville Rovers in 1892. The club changed its name to Bristol Rovers in 1899. They were admitted to the Football League in 1920. They have won the Watney Cup in 1972, and have been Football League Trophy finalists two times.
Stadium
Following the sale of the land at Eastville in 1986, the club spent ten years at Twerton Park in Bath. They moved to the Memorial stadium in 1996, initially as tenants. They then bought the stadium outright in 1998.
Archive
This site is thirty years old and has thousands of posts. Here are a couple to feature the opposition.
Head-to-head
How it stands
- Vale wins: 30
- Draws: 19
- Vale losses: 24
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met in 1938 when it finished in a 1-0 away victory for the Valiants. In 1989, Vale secured promotion to the second division after a two-legged play-off final win over Rovers with Robbie Earle scoring four times against them that season – in both League clashes and both play-off games.
Last time we met
The two sides last met in March 2024 when the Valiants won 2-0 thanks to goals from Ben Garrity and young striker Baylee Dipepa.
Ben Garrity scored in the last game
Ellis Harrison in Vale colours
Played for both
Player connections
Former Port Vale forward Ellis Harrison has been reunited with Darrell Clarke for his second spell as a Rovers player. The visitors also have former loanee Kacper Lopata in their squad. Other players to appear for both sides in recent seasons include strikers Ryan Loft and Matty Taylor defender James Gibbons as well as cultured midfielder Chris Lines.
Vintage connection
Tall defender Tim Parkin served both clubs with distinction. Signed from Malmo, Parkin played over 200 games for Rovers, being voted player of the year twice. He was signed by John Rudge in 1989 to add height and experience to the Vale defence. Parkin made over 50 appearances before being released on a free transfer to Darlington.
Predict the score
Have your say
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
Join the debate:
The Vale Park stadium
Test your knowledge
Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz
Who is the current Bristol Rovers manager?
In what year did they move to the Memorial stadium?
What was the score when the two teams last met?
Which former Vale striker now plays for Rovers?
In what year did they move to the Memorial stadium?
What was the score when the two teams last met?
Which former Vale striker now plays for Rovers?
(answers below – no cheating)
Quiz answers
Darrell Clarke
1996
Port Vale 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Ellis Harrison
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is Port Vale signings from Bristol Rovers. How did you fare?
0/4 – Ryan Loft
1/4 – Kaid Mohamed
2/4 – Peter Beadle
3/4 – Sean Rigg
4/4 – Cristian Montano
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