There will be celebrations in one stand and disappointment in the others as the two sides face very different futures. Here’s our final preview of the season.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Lincoln City
- Date: Saturday May 2nd 3pm
- Competition: League One
- Viewing guide: Sky+ in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Finish on a high?
The midweek win over Stockport County came as a welcome surprise. It was arguably Vale’s most complete performance of the season. Can they continue that form against a Lincoln City side who will be in party mood, celebrating promotion to the Championship?
Team news
There are doubts over Ben Waine and George Hall for this game. Meanwhile, George Byers and Ben Heneghan marked their return to fitness by coming on as subs. Will either make the starting line-up?
How was that for you?
OVF has enjoyed produced these previews and we tried a new style this season. We’d welcome any comments on whether you’ve enjoyed them, what else we could add and any other feedback. Please do leave us a comment at the end of the piece.
Ben Heneghan: will he feature?
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Lincoln City
- Manager: Michael Skubala
- Stadium: Sincil Bank
Need to know
Meet the manager
43 year-old former Leeds United coach Michael Skubala was appointed Lincoln head coach in November 2023, his first managerial role. He deserves high praise for guiding his side to promotion despite the presence of much richer and ‘bigger’ clubs in the division. Skubala’s record stands at seventy wins from 139 games in charge.
Recent form
Awesome. Lincoln have cruised to promotion with an epic unbeaten run. They last lost in the League back in November! OVF hopes Vale fans give City the ovation their efforts deserve on Saturday.
Last match
A 4-3 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Manager Michael Skubala
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record appearance holder: Grant Brown, 469
- Record goalscorer: Andy Graver, 143
- Record win: 11-1 vs Crewe, 1951
Sincil Bank
Over the years
Brief History
Founded in 1884, Lincoln became founder members of the Football League Second Division in 1892. The side yo-yo’ed between the lower divisions before they suffered a double relegation to the Conference in 1987.
They regained their Football League status in 1988. They reached the play-offs in five consecutive seasons, from 2002 to 2007, losing in the final twice and the semi-finals three times, which is a competition record.
However they returned to the Conference in 2011. A six-season stay in non-league was ended when Cowley brothers, Nicky and Danny, led the club to the National League title in 2017, as well as a run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They won the Football League Trophy in 2018 and the League Two title in 2018–19.
Stadium
Lincoln City started playing at the John O’Gaunts ground in 1884 before moving to Sincil Bank in 1895.
Trivia
Lincoln hold the record for points gained under the old two points for a win system. It was for the 1975–76 campaign when they were managed by Graham Taylor. The club won the Division 4 title with 74 points in total.
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: 33
- Draws: 24
- Vale losses: 36
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met in 1894 when it finished in a thrilling 4-3 win for Lincoln. Vale’s last win over City was back in 2022 when Dan Butterworth scored in a 1-0 win.
Last time we met
It finished as a disappointing 1-0 away defeat at Sincil Bank earlier this season.
Memorable match
OK, it’s not technically memorable as no-one alive witnessed it but… Port Vale recorded an incredible 7-1 win in March 1895. It was remarkable because the season to date had been a disaster. Up till that point, Vale had lost 18 of their 25 matches. The scorers in the goalfest were Billy Beats (2), Dick Evans, James Mason, Alf Wood. Meshach Dean and an unknown scorer.
Ben Garrity: scored last goal against Lincoln
Tom Pett as a Lincoln player
Played for both
Player connections
There are no connections in either squad but over the years there have been several players to appear for both including midfielder Tom Pett, striker Geoff Horsfield defender Callum Howe and goalkeeper Joe Anyon.
Vintage connection
Going a bit further back, striker Roy Chapman served both sides with distinction. The targetman scored 35 goals in 78 Lincoln appearances and had a very similar record at Vale Park – 37 goals in 83 games. He sadly passed away in 1983.
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 Lincoln manager?
What the score the last time we met?
When were Lincoln formed?
Who was the last Vale player to score against Lincoln?
What the score the last time we met?
When were Lincoln formed?
Who was the last Vale player to score against Lincoln?
(answers below – no cheating)
Quiz answers
Michael Skubala
Lincoln City 1-0 Port Vale
1884
Ben Garrity
Quiz ratings
The rankings are players to appear for both clubs
0/4 – Callum Howe
1/4 – Geoff Horsfield
2/4 – Joe Anyon
3/4 – Tom Pett
4/4 – Roy Chapman
Rob’s articles are 5 star in my opinion. Always fair and balanced without some of the knee-jerk reactions that some of us fans are likely to express at times. Keep up the good work
Thank you Dave. Good to get that feedback from you and glad you like them. It is a one-man job so no peer reviewing so please bear with the mistakes, typos and the like… but I hope they are at least honest and interesting!
Hi Rob, yes many thanks for your considered posts during the past season. Never frightened to tackle a difficult subject I.e ability of playing staff or running of the club, in a very professional none opinionated way. Your articles are always a go to before and after each and every game. Keep it up Rob UTV!, thanks!
Thanks for the feedback, glad you liked them.
Good honest views covering all aspects connected with the club and not afraid to give an opinion relating to the players performances, commitment and general allegiance to the club. I trust the same feedback both ways will continue in the forthcoming season and hope for success that satisfies all concerned. UTV.
Thank you for the feedback, it’s good to read!