A draw at home to Reading was commendable in some ways but still not enough for struggling Vale. Can they achieve more at Northampton? Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Northampton Town
- Date: Tuesday 24th February 7.45pm
- Competition: League One
- Viewing guide: Sky Sports in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Start with the second-half formation?
For the first period of the Reading game, Vale struggled. George Hall didn’t look suited to a right wingback role, Andre Gray was static upfront and Elijah Campbell’s inexperience showed on the left. So, it may be better if Vale started with their second-half line-up. That saw Jordan Gabriel and Liam Gordon as the wingbacks and Jayden Stockley playing upfront. It may not be perfect but it may be the best team Vale can field at the moment.
Will Brady be keen to prove his point
Jon Brady will be returning to his former club and no doubt keen to prove a point. The former Town boss quit in December 2024 and expressed his desire to come back a better manager. Will he prove it on Tuesday?
Known injury list
Vale are down on numbers in central midfield with Ryan Croasdale, George Byers and Ben Garrity all missing.
Possible Vale line-up (3-5-2)
Gauci – John, Humpheys, C.Hall – Gabriel, Ojo, G.Hall, Walters, Gordon – Stockley, Waine
Jayden Stockley – should he start?
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Northampton Town
- Manager: Kevin Nolan
- Stadium: Sixfields Stadium
Need to know
Meet the manager
43 year-old Kevin Nolan was appointed Northampton manager in December 2024. Nolan has had previous managerial roles with Notts County and Leyton Orient. Nolan’s record at Town is 22 wins from 66 games in charge.
Recent form
Not great. Northampton are without a win from their last three League games. Their last win was a home victory over Stevenage at the beginning of the month. They currently sit in 22nd place in the League One table.
Last match
Northampton lost 1-2 at home to Leyton Orient at the weekend. Tom Eaves scored a consolidation goal for the home side.
Manager Kevin Nolan
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record goalscorer: Jack English (143)
- Most appearances: Tommy Fowler (552)
- Record win: 11-0 versus Southend United, 1911-12
Over the years
Brief History
Founded in 1897, the club competed in on-league before being admitted into the Football League in 1920. They spent the next 38 years in Division Three before three promotions under Dave Bowen took them into the First Division. However, after one season they were promptly relegated down to Division Four. They returned to League One after promotion in 2023.
Stadium
Sixfields has been Northampton’s home following their move from the County Ground in October 1994. It has a 8,203 capacity.
Sixfields stadium
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: 23
- Vale losses: 31
- Draws: 23
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met back in 1938 when the first game ended in a 2-0 win for Northampton. Vale’s first goalscorer against Northampton was Colin Lynam who netted in a 1-1 draw in 1946. It took Vale until 1948 to get their first win – a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Alf Bellis.
Last time we met
Vale and Northampton played out a goalless draw at Vale Park back in October. Both keepers played their part as Vale’s Ruari Paton missed a golden late chance.
The two sides line up earlier this season.
Tyler Magloire in Northampton colours
Played for both
Current connections
There will be two people familiar to Northampton fans in the Vale squad. Defender Tyler Magloire was a January signing for Vale. The speedy defender previously played under current Vale boss Jon Brady at Sixfields. Brady, of course, managed Northampton for three years being in charge of exactly 200 games and winning promotion in 2023.
Older connections
Other recent players to appear for both include striker James Wilson and winger Liam McCarron. Other players to appear for both sides in recent seasons include midfielder Sam Foley, the late Lee Collins, striker Marc Richards and fellow forward JJ Hooper
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 Sixfields stadium
Test your knowledge
Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz
Who is the current Northampton manager?
What the score the last time we met?
How many times have Vale beaten Northampton?
Which current Vale defender had a spell with Town?
What the score the last time we met?
How many times have Vale beaten Northampton?
Which current Vale defender had a spell with Town?
(answers right – no cheating)
Answers
Quiz answers
Kevin Nolan
Port Vale 0-0 Northampton Town
23
Tyler Magloire
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is players to appear for both sides.
0/4 – Liam McCarron
1/4 – JJ Hooper
2/4 – Sam Foley
3/4 – James Wilson
4/4 – Marc Richards
Personally id go with sheriff up front with stockley.
Hi Gareth, I would leave Sherif on the bench as I’m not sure he’s match sharp yet. I reckon he’d be better coming on and giving 100% for the last 15 mins rather than starting the game. I would do the same with Andre Gray too.
I having Vale to turn Northampton over
Which ever way Vale play them I’d certainly have Sherif and Gray on the pitch together. I’m sure if you can give Gray the time and space he will finish and just maybe, Sherif’s physicality and pace might just up set the cobblers defence to give him these opportunities. Whatever happens I think this is our last chance saloon.