Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Exeter

It’s a tricky task on Tuesday evening as Port Vale look to secure their first win of 2018…

News

Match background

So Vale have at least strung together an unbeaten run which has pushed them slightly clearer towards safety.

However, it depends on whether your cup is half-full or half-empty as to whether the 2-2 draw with Stevenage was a cracking comeback or the result of a dreadful start. Fans will wonder which Vale side will turn up on Tuesday…

What will the Vale look like?

Neil Aspin says that Cristian Montano (right) has picked up a knock and is a slight doubt for this game.

Elsewhere, James Gibbons and loanee Donovan Wilson are pushing for starts after impressing when coming on in the second-half on Saturday.

Veterans Tom Pope and Antony Kay remain sidelined.

Pre-match quote

“Everyone wants us to get a result, it’s very frustrating but, we have to be prepared to fight and scrap. I think the players have shown that in previous games and as long as we have that – we can give ourselves a chance.

“You can go to clubs lower in the table and expect a result, but at the level we’re at, we don’t have any divine right to win any games, we’ve got to play to our best…”

Neil Aspin

Boss watch

Paul Tisdale

The longest serving manager in the Football League, Tisdale has been in charge since 2006 managing over 600 games for the club.

History lesson

Overall record

• Port Vale wins: 21
• Port Vale losses: 16
• Draws: 10

Last time…

The last time the two teams met was in October this season when the Valiants secured a valuable three points thanks to a winner from talisman Tom Pope.

The last time Vale travelled to Exeter was for that “infamous” 2-0 FA Cup which arguably spelled the end of Rob Page’s reign at the club.

Played for both…

Players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:

• Defender Richard Duffy (right)
• Winger Mark Chamberlain
• Defender George Pilkington
• Defender Darren Hughes
• Striker Steve Biggins

Other Vale events that happened this day…

1899 Right-back Percy Thorpe is born.

1994 Port Vale sign striker Tony Naylor from Crewe Alexandra for a fee of £150,000.

2005 Port Vale announce the signing of defender Micky Bell from Bristol City.

2010 Port Vale announce the signing of defender Ritchie Sutton.

2014 Port Vale sign midfielder Michael O'Connor on a one-year contract.

2014 Michael Brown and Steve Jennings join Port Vale, the club announces.

2017 Port Vale sign Burton Albion winger Marcus Harness on loan.

2021 Youngsters Ammar Dyer and Michael Lennon are released by Port Vale.