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In 1898, table-topping Port Vale sleep on the train before beating Luton

In 1898, table-topping Port Vale sleep on the train before beating Luton

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We take a look back at the 1898-99 season and Burslem Port Vale’s first-ever encounter with Luton Town.

About the season

It was Port Vale’s fifth season in the Football League and they got to a terrific start, winning six straight games in a row. By the time they played Luton the Valiants were sitting on top of the table. However, the side never recovered when influential defender Tommy Clare broke his leg and the side eventually finished ninth out of 17 sides. The top scorer was James Peake with eleven goals while the side conceded just 34 goals – the lowest total in the division.

Port Vale 1898-99 team photo

Team photo

About the match

This 1-0 Port Vale win in November 1898 was the first-ever meeting between the two sides. Vale would then complete the double later in the season. In March they beat Luton 4-1 at home thanks to a hat-trick from Ted McDonald and another from Danny Simpson.

Here are clippings from the first meeting:

Luton Town v Port Vale clipping 1898

Luton Town v Port Vale clipping 1898

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Rob Fielding

Rob Fielding is the editor of onevalefan and has been a Port Vale FC fan since 1980. He has written about Port Vale for 30 years. Rob has worked in many roles including in sports journalism and marketing. He has written a Port Vale book “No Ordinary Season” and curated the “Vale Vaults” Port Vale memorabilia exhibition. Rob has appeared on numerous radio broadcasts and podcasts (including BBC Radio Stoke) and written for multiple publications (including submissions for the Guardian, 442 and Word Soccer) about his club. His favourite player is striker Andy Jones and his favourite match is the FA Cup win over Spurs in 1988.

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