Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Crawley

After a hectic Easter period, it’s back to Vale Park for a game against Crawley…

News

Match background

While Vale are not mathematically safe yet, the four points picked up over Easter have boosted their survival chances.

However, the Valiants could rue the last-gasp Crewe equaliser which prevented Neil Aspin’s side picking up a maximum six points over the weekend. Obviously, a win over Crawley will go a long way to helping the team forget that late goal…

What will the Vale look like?

After an impressive performance as sub, goalkeeper Sam Hornby is expected to start in goal as Ryan Boot has been ruled out due to a ligament injury.

With Rob Lainton out of the picture, Hornby now has a chance of establishing himself as number one.

It’s a far cry from the festive period where the youngster found himself out on loan at Chester as the club’s third choice stopper.

Apart from the keeper’s position, the Vale could be unchanged.

Pre-match quote

“We have to concentrate on Saturday against Crawley.

“It is going to be a tough game. They like to play the ball and pass it around. We just have to concentrate on that now.”…”

Vale midfielder Antony Kay

Boss watch

Harry Kewell

The 39 year-old former Leeds and Liverpool forward was appointed Crawley manager at the start of this season.

The Australian has now been in charge for 46 games with a 33% win rate.

Stats and facts

Overall record

• Port Vale wins: 4
• Port Vale losses: 2
• Draws: 1

Last time we…

It was a good start to the season for Michael Brown’s Vale side as they ran out 3-1 winners at Crawley. The goals came from Michael Tonge, Antony Kay (both right) and youngster Dan Turner.

However, the last game at Vale Park was another story as Vale lost 3-2 in 2015. Louis Dodds got both of Vale’s goals.

Connections

Played for both…

Striker Tyrone Barnett (right) could face one of his former clubs. The veteran played 26 games in 2011 scoring a more than useful 13 times. Such was his form that he left for Peterborough United for a fee of £1m and was nominated for League Two player of the year.