The Valiants will probably be keen to get through this game (and another against title holders Lincoln) unscathed. Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Stockport County
- Date: Tuesday April 28th, 7:45pm
- Competition: League One
- Viewing guide: not available in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Hall out, Gabriel at the back?
Connor Hall was withdrawn at Plymouth as he was exhausted from playing pretty much all of Vale’s hectic fixture list. Hall’s absence maybe gives another chance to see Jordan Gabriel as part of a back three. The right sided defender did well in what was otherwise an insipid Vale display.
Another chance for Hernandez to impress?
One of the few bright spots on Saturday was the tricky flank play of Onel Hernandez. He could get another opportunity to prove his fitness and potentially earn a contract.
Known injury list
Connor Hall is now a doubt. Ben Heneghan, Kyle John, Funso Ojo, George Byers and Jayden Stockley are expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Possible Vale line-up (3-5-2)
Gauci – Gabriel, Humphreys, Campbell – Hernandez, Walters, Garrity, Croasdale, Gordon – Waine, Brown
Connor Hall – set to miss out?
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 263 games in charge, winning 141 of them. He has had previous managerial spells at Hartlepool Utd and AFC Fylde.
Recent form
Winning this game in hand will move County into the automatics. However, Stockport’s current form is indifferent with just two wins from six.
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: 26
- 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 four fixtures against County.
Last time we met
The Valiants were handed a 4-0 thrashing in the knock-out stages of the Football League Trophy. They also lost 3-0 in League One earlier this season.
Adama Sidibeh scored twice in the last encounter
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:
Edgeley Park stadium
Test your knowledge
Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz
Who is the current Stockport manager?
What was the score when the sides last met?
How many times have Vale beaten Stockport?
Which current Vale midfielder has played for County?
What was the score when the sides last met?
How many times have Vale beaten Stockport?
Which current Vale midfielder has played for County?
(answers right – no cheating)
Test your knowledge
Quiz answers
Dave Challinor
Port Vale 0-4 Stockport County
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
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