The odds seem still to be stacked against Valiants but a win against Luton would definitely be a boost. Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Luton Town
- Date: Saturday February 28th, 3pm
- Competition: League One
- Viewing guide: not available in the UK, live on PVTV overseas
Talking points
Enforced changes?
It may well have been that Jon Brady would have liked to name an unchanged line-up for this one. However, he won’t be able to. Ethon Archer is ineligible to play against his parent club while concussion is likely to rule Ben Heneghan out. So, Jordan Gabriel could come in for Heneghan as on Tuesday while Ben Waine may step in for Archer.
Known injury list
Skipper Ben Garrity and George Byers remain long-term injured. Ryan Croasdale has been missing in recent days while Ben Heneghan is likely to miss this due to concussion protocols.
Possible Vale line-up (3-4-3)
Gauci – John, Humphreys, C.Hall – Gabriel, G.Hall, Ojo, Campbell – Sherif, Stockley, Waine
Ben Heneghan – misses this game?
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Luton Town
- Manager: Jack Wilshere
- Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Need to know
Meet the manager
33 year-old former England International Jack Wilshere was handed his first managerial job in October. He had previously been caretaker at Norwich. His fledgling career stands at twelve wins from twenty eight games in charge.
Recent form
Not good as far as the League goes. Luton did win their last game (a Football League Trophy win over Plymouth) but are winless in their last three League games. Their away form is particularly dire with their last away victory coming back in November.
Last match
A 2-1 Trophy win over Plymouth was achieved thanks to goals from Jones and Clark.
Manager Jack Wilshere
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record appearance holder: Bob Morton, 562
- Record goalscorer: Gordon Turner, 276
- Record win: 12-0 versus Bristol Rovers, 1936
Over the years
Brief History
Luton Town were formed in 1885 and initially joined the Football League in 1897. They reached the top-flight for the first time in 1955 and contested the 1959 FA Cup final – losing to Nottingham Forest. In 1988 they defeated Arsenal to win the League Cup. They spent five years in non-league football before rejoining in 2013.
Stadium
Despite several plans to move, the quirky Kenilworth Road stadium has been Luton’s home since 1905. The club plan to move to a new stadium, the Power Court Stadium by 2028.
The Kenilworth Road stadium
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: 12
- Draws: 9
- Vale losses: 17
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met back in 1898 when it ended in a 1-0 win for the Valiants. It was Vale’s fifth season in the Football League and Dick ‘Jammer’ Evans scored the goal (more on him here). For good measure, they won the return fixture 4-0. However, over the years games have been relatively infrequent with just 37 fixtures in the next 127 years.
Last time we met
The two sides played out a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road back in November. The Vale scorers were Ben Waine and Devante Cole – more on the latter later.
Ben Waine – scored in the last meeting
Devante Cole – sure of a warm reception from Vale fans
Played for both
Player connections
There’s one high profile player to fit this category. Devante Cole opted to leave Port Vale for Luton Town in January. After the move Jon Brady pointedly said he felt Cole’s head was turned and the striker could be in for an interesting reception from the Vale fans. One player missing will be Ethon Archer – on loan from Luton at Vale and therefore ineligible. There’s also Port Vale centre-forward Jayden Stockley who has appeared for both sides having had an earlier loan spell with the Hatters. Other players to appear for both sides in recent years include striker Ricky Miller, midfielder Anthony Grant and forward Mark Cullen.
Vintage connection
It would be remiss of us not to mention Brian Horton, who had successful playing spells with both clubs (as well as a managerial stint with Vale). Signed from non-league Horton soon proved to be a pivotal figure for the Vale. It was therefore hugely controversial when, after 262 appearances and 37 goals, he was sold to Brighton for just £30,000. After a six year spell on the South coast, Horton moved to Luton in 1981. He was captain as the side reached the top-flight and he made eighty top-flight appearances for the club.
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 Luton Town manager?
In what year was the club formed?
What was the score when the two sides last met?
Which Vale player is on loan from Luton?
In what year was the club formed?
What was the score when the two sides last met?
Which Vale player is on loan from Luton?
(answers below – no cheating)
Quiz answers
Jack Wilshere
1885
Luton Town 2-2 Port Vale
Ethon Archer
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is players who played for both clubs. How did you fare?
0/4 – Ricky Miller
1/4 – Mark Cullen
2/4 – Anthony Grant
3/4 – Jayden Stockley
4/4 – Brian Horton
With the additional rain the pitch will become a bit of a leveller, (Even after all Mr Hancocks hard work)and it will come down to a battle of wills. Hopefully with the renewed fight Vale are showing it will be enough to get us over the line. Sadly I don’t think there will be enough games to keep us up.