Bath City v Port Vale preview: Vale return to friendly action after training camp

Following their training camp at Celtic Manor, Port Vale return to the pitch and their second consecutive annual friendly game against Bath City.

Preamble

This is the second year that Darren Moore’s men have travelled to Twerton Park. It could well see some new faces unveiled on the Vale front. Summer signings Cameron Humphreys, Ben Waine and keeper Marco Marosi could all play in this game.

The Opposition

It’s been a busy summer in Bath. Firstly, the stadium has been renamed due to a sponsorship deal and will be called the “Cannon Clarke Stadium.” Bath fans will also be pleased to see three long-serving players commit to the club. Three experienced defenders – Jack Batten, Danny Greenslade and Joe Raynes, who have all agreed contracts. Finally, the club have announced Wayne Carlisle as their new assistant manager.

Connections

Connections

There seems to be a well-worn path between three clubs, rather than just Vale and Bath. There’s a number of Vale signings from Bristol Rovers, who, having been based in the West County then make a subsequent move to Bath City. Those players include – forward Sean Rigg, midfielder Chris Lines and forward Kaid Mohamed. Other players to appear for both are striker Kurtis Guthrie, defender Chris Banks, full-back Callum Evans and (a little further back) striker Cliff Pinchbeck.

Last time we met…

In an indication of how Darren Moore would approach friendlies, Vale were defeated 1-0 by Bath on their previous visit. The manager later revealed that the Vale squad would be playing after extensive training sessions to test their stamina which partially explains the result. The goal came from an error by keeper Connor Ripley while Lorent Tolaj had Vale’s best chance. The match also marked the debut of then trialist Kyle John.

The friendlies so far…

Here’s our coverage:

• Brief Friendly Match Report: Newcastle Town 0-0 Port Vale
• Gallery: Newcastle Town 0-0 Port Vale, 2025
• Brief Friendly Report: Kidsgrove Athletic 0-7 Port Vale

Quiz

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

• Who is the current Bath City manager?
• What was the score when Vale last played Bath?
• Who made his Vale debut during the game?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

• Darren Way
• Bath City 1-0 Port Vale
• Kyle John

Quiz ratings? How did you fare?

• 0/3 – Kevin Pilkington
• 1/3 – Ryan Boot
• 2/3 – Scott Brown
• 3/3 – Mark Goodlad