Port Vale v Notts County preview – a key test of Vale’s promotion credentials

Vale had had an unbeaten 2025 without so far hitting the heights. Can they do so against in-form Notts County? Here’s our preview…

The Vale perspective

Form

Steady but not setting the world on fire. While Vale are unbeaten so far in 2025 their results include three draws so there’s potentially been dropped points in what has proven to be a highly competitive League Two.

Fitness

The main concern for the Valiants will be the fitness of key forward Jayden Stockley. Darren Moore has struck an optimistic note on his availability but if he’s not able to make this game he could be a huge loss. Mitch Clark also has an injury but he’s suspended anyhow. Otherwise, Vale have a fully fit squad to select from.

Team selection

With Mitch Clark and Tom Sang still suspended, Kyle John will be selected as right wingback. If Stockley isn’t fit then Ronan Curtis will be favourite to fill in upfront while fit again George Byers is likely to be pushing Rakeem Harper for a starting place in central midfield. Ethan Chislett is likely to miss out again as he’s reportedly been away on a family matter.

Viewing guide

This game is available on Sky Sports in the UK so fans who cannot attend will be able to watch. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

43 year-old Stuart Maynard is the club’s head coach having been appointed in January 2024. Maynard began his managerial stint with a three year spell at Wealdstone, steering them to their highest League position for 34 years. His record at County stands at 23 wins from 54 games in charge.

Form

Excellent. County have won eight of their last ten League games and they have also recorded four straight away wins. They will prove an extremely  tough test for the Valiants.

Team News

The visitors will be boosted by “positive” injury news from Jobi Jones after last season’s League Two player of the year was forced off early against Morecambe. The 27 year-old could be fit to play with Notts County set to be unchanged.

Connections

Current connections

There’s also a former Valiant who could feature. Veteran striker David McGoldrick had a spell on loan with Vale earlier in his career. However, former Vale goalkeeper Aidan Stone, who was recently on Notts County’s books has left to join Yeovil Town, where he will link up with Vale loanee James Plant.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. The list includes the afore-mentioned goalkeeper Aidan Stone, defender Connell Rawlinson, defender Dan Jones, centre-half Liam Chilvers and defender Richard Duffy.

Featured connection

Striker Lee Hughes had notable spells with both clubs. Signed by County in 2009 he totalled 66 goals in 144 games for the club. A long-term target for Vale, the club’s initial move in 2012 was thwarted due to incomplete paperwork. The Valiants moved again in the New Year and Hughes proved to be a key player as Micky Adams’ side won promotion in 2013. He scored 13 times in 34 games before moving on to Forest Green.

History

Last time we met

Vale won 1-0 at Meadow Lane during their purple patch earlier in the season. The winning goal came from Lorent Tolaj but Vale’s backline managed to keep a clean sheet despite near constant pressure from the home side.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 1893 when it ended in a comprehensive 6-1 loss for the Valiants. Meshach Dean was the scorer of Vale’s first goal against County. Vale bounced back in the next game, winning 1-0 thanks to a winner from Alf Wood.

Memorable matches

There have been some high scoring affairs over the years. As we’ve mentioned, the first game ended in a 6-1 win for County. It got worse for Vale in the following seasons with County winning 10-0 in 1895 and 7-2 the following season. However, Vale have had their moments too. There was a 6-2 win in 1927 and 4-1 in 1946. However, probably the most dramatic game was a 5-3 victory for Vale in 1935. Cliff Berks and Fred Mitcheson both scored twice while Tom Nolan (pictured) scored the fifth.

Archive

Some photos from our archive…

Brief history

County were founded on 28 November 1862 and is the oldest professional association football club in the world. They were a founder member of the Football League in 1888. Their highest League position was third in 1891. They also won the FA Cup in 1894. After a controversial takeover by Munto finance, the club had financial problems and dropped out of the League in 2019. They returned in 2023.

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 Notts County match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Stuart Maynard
2. Aidan Stone
3. 1862
4. Les Bradd

The tough one: 10,771

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