Port Vale v Barrow preview – can Valiants build on away victory?

After ending their poor run of form at the Keepmoat stadium can the Valiants now kick on with a decent result at home?

The Vale perspective

Pre-match quote

“It (training) has been really difficult because of the weather conditions. So, it has been gym stuff, making sure the players get some cardio work and they get a sweat on. It is not ideal in terms of preparing for games but it is what it is, we are in the hands of the weather. But I believe it is going to turn over the next few days and hopefully we can get back on the green grass.”

Darren Moore

Fitness

The Valiants will be waiting on the fitness of midfielder George Byers and striker Jayden Stockley for this game. Even if both are fit, it’s likely they will make the bench rather than the starting XI. Other than the pair, Vale were concerned about a knock to skipper Ben Garrity but he looks to be fit to play.

Team selection

After all the chopping and changing, some fans will be pleased if the Valiants stick with the same starting eleven that defeated Doncaster. It would mean the pairing of Lorent Tolaj and Antwoine Hackford remaining upfront and new signing Jaheim Headley keeping his place on the left flank.

The Vale team –

Possible formation: 3-5-2

Possible starting eleven: Amos – Smith, Heneghan, Hall – Clark, Croasdale, Garrity, Lowe, Headley – Tolaj, Hackford

Viewing guide

This game has not been selected by Sky+ and is therefore not being shown to fans in the UK. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

46 year-old Stephen Clemence, the son of former England goalkeeper Ray, is in his second job as manager having previously managed Gillingham for seven months in 2023. He has nine wins from thirty one games in charge.

Form

Poor. Barrow have won just once in their last eight League games and are now four games in a row without a win. Their last away outing saw them draw 1-1 with Tranmere Rovers on the 29th December.

Team news

Barrow have added to their squad ahead of this game. Blackburn midfielder Leo Duro and Stevenage striker Aaron Pressley have signed on loan this week. They have already signed Kyle Cameron on loan from Notts County, and Isaac Fletcher from non-league Spennymoor Town during this window.

Connections

Current connections

Darren Moore’s men will not encounter former Vale favourite David Worrall as the veteran winger is on loan at Curzon Ashton. Barrow also include former Vale defender Theo Vassell in their squad. Valiants defender Dan Jones also spent a season on loan at Barrow. However, Jones also won’t feature having extended his loan spell at Gateshead

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes striker Jamie Proctor, forward Ben Whitfield, striker Dior Angus and midfielder Rory Holden.

Featured connection

Midfielder Mark Boyd had spells with both clubs in the noughties. He joined the Valiants from Newcastle Utd in 2002 and made 42 appearances, scoring three times during a two year spell. In 2008 he moved to Barrow where he stayed for three years making 81 appearances and scoring seven times.

History

Last time we met

The two sides met in quick succession in League and Cup earlier this season. After a disappointing 3-2 League Cup defeat, Vale were thrashed 4-0 in the League meeting. It was an inauspicious end for Baylee Dipepa who made his final Vale squad appearance in the fixture.

Memorable meetings

The two clubs first met in 1929 when it ended in a thumping 5-0 win for the Valiants. Phil Griffiths (pictured) netted twice for the Vale. During Vale’s memorable Iron Curtain season (1953-54) striker Basil Hayward scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 home win. Until this season, the Valiants hadn’t lost at Holker Street since 1937.

Brief history

Founded in 1901, Barrow’s first spell in the Football League lasted from 1921 until 1972 when they were replaced by Hereford United. Barrow’s fortunes hit a low in the 1990’s when owner Stephen Vaughan was investigated for money laundering. The club recovered and rejoined the Football League in 2020 under the management of Ian Evatt after finishing as the National League Champions.

The image shows speedway at the Holker Street ground, more on that below…

Opinion and quiz

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…

Port Vale v Barrow match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Stephen Clemence
2. Theo Vassell
3. Barrow 4-0 Port Vale
4. Tom Sang

The tough one: an Astute class submarine

How do you think the match will go for the Valiants? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.