The side may look doomed in the League but they remain in two cup competitions. Will that be the case at the end of Tuesday night? Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Stockport County
- Date: Tuesday 10th February, 7pm
- Competition: Football League Trophy
- Viewing guide: Sky Sports in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Will Brady rotate his squad?
With fixtures coming thick and fast, it’s possible that Jon Brady may rotate his squad for this one – especially with several new signings bedding in. There could be a start for Tyler Magloire, a second start for Elijah Campbell and possibly more match minutes for Andre Gray.
Stick with Waine and Stockley?
It’s useful to give the likes of Andre Gray minutes but is he really ready to start? If not, there’s an argument to give the partnership of Ben Waine and Jayden Stockley another run. Both impressed on Saturday so perhaps it’s time to give them more minutes to gel?
Known injury list
Ben Garrity and George Byers are both sidelined.
Possible Vale line-up (4-4-2)
Amos – John, Heneghan, Magloire, Campbell – G.Hall, Walters, Crosdale, Archer – Stockley, Waine
Ben Waine – give him another start?
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Stockport County
- Manager: Dave Challinor
- Stadium: Edgeley Park
Need to know
Meet the manager
50 year-old Dave Challinor has been in post at Stockport since 2021. It means he has had 246 games in charge, winning 133 of them. He has had previous managerial spells at Hartlepool Utd and AFC Fylde.
Recent form
Good. County are unbeaten in their last seven games. In fact, they’ve only lost once this year.
How they got here
After progressing from the group stages, Stockport defeated Harrogate 2-1 in the first knockout round of the Trophy.
Manager Dave Challinor
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record appearance holder: Andy Thorpe (555)
- Record goalscorer: Jack Connor (132)
- Record win: 7-0 versus Wrexham, 1893
Over the years
Brief History
Stockport County were formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers and they were renamed Stockport County in 1890. They joined the Football League in 1900. They dropped out after one season only to return in 1904 and County then played in the Football League continuously for 106 years until 2011 when they were relegated to the National League. They returned to League Two in the summer of 2024.
Pub bore fact
The club is nicknamed “The Hatters” after the town’s former hat-making industry.
Stadium
Stockport have played at the 10,852 capacity Edgeley Park since 1902. The club previously played at Green Lane.
Edgeley Park 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: 32
- Vale losses: 25
- Draws: 20
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met in 1900 when it ended in a 1-0 home defeat for the Valiants. Vale had to wait a further four games for their first win which came in 1902. In recent times, the Valiants have lost their last three fixtures against County.
Last time we met in the Trophy
The last encounter in the Football League Trophy came in 2022. It finished 1-0 to Vale with Chris Hussey the unlikely scorer. He’s also the last Vale player to score against County.
Vale have a poor recent record against Stockport
Ryan Croasdale – played for both
Played for both
Player connections
Midfielder Ryan Croasdale will be keen to play against his former club. The reigning Port Vale player of the year joined on a free from Stockport in the summer of 2024. Other recent connections include Rico Richards, who enjoyed a previous loan spell with County, defender Lewis Cass, who was loaned to County from Vale and striker Richie Bennett
Vintage connection
Central defender Gareth Owen made over 200 appearances for both Stockport and Vale during a lengthy playing career. Owen played for Stockport between 2006 and 2009 before he joined the Valiants in 2008 where he enjoyed a five year spell. Other vintage connections include defender Paul Bowles and cult striker Bob Newton.
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 Stockport manager?
Who is the last Vale player to score against County?
How many times have Vale beaten Stockport?
Which current Vale midfielder has played for County?
Who is the last Vale player to score against County?
How many times have Vale beaten Stockport?
Which current Vale midfielder has played for County?
(answers right – no cheating)
Answers
Quiz answers
Dave Challinor
Chris Hussey
32
Ryan Croasdale
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is players to appear for both sides.
0/4 – Paul Bowles
1/4 – Richie Bennett
2/4 – Gareth Owen
3/4 – Ryan Croasdale
4/4 – Bob Newton
I don’t care what we focus on now, we need 2 things.
#CarolOut
#HancockOut
It’s just a game which we don’t need, as the home support will reflect!
No academy players on the bench , madness , why have one , these lads could show a few what it means to wear the shirt !!!
Amos ! The worst I’ve ever seen from A Zport Vsle dire DIRE, I think should really think about saying goodbye.