We’re back at Vale Park this Saturday to face Crawley. The first of two back-to-back home games.
In the Dugout
62-year-old John Yems had his first managerial role in 1992 at Horsham where he spent three years. In 2006 he joined Crawley Town as a joint caretaker manager before being sacked at the end of the season. In February 2008 he became assistant manager at Exeter City but left only a year later. His next significant role was back at Crawley in December 2019 where he has remained since.
Man with the Armband
30-year-old George Francomb is Crawley’s skipper having been with the club since 2018. His youth career began with Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 where he spent six years with the Premier League side before moving to Norwich City in 2008.
He made his professional debut in 2009 before going on loan to Barnet, Hibernian and AFC Wimbledon. He signed permanently for the Dons in 2013 and made 181 for them across six years before leaving for Crawley.
The midfielder has appeared in 30 games in all competitions this season picking up four assists, one goal and three yellow cards. His goal came in a 2-1 away win against Leyton Orient.
Star Man
Midfielder Jack Powell began his youth career at West Ham United but never made a professional appearance for the Hammers. Instead, he joined Millwall in 2013 and went out on loan to non-league clubs Concord Rangers and Braintree Town. After Concord Rangers, he made his league debut for Millwall in 2014 but would later go back out on loan.
After joining other non-league clubs permanently, he signed for Crawley in 2019. The 28-year-old has made 39 appearances this season scoring once, providing six assists and picking up five yellow cards. His goal came in a 1-1 away draw to Swindon Town.
Last time out and recent form
In Crawley’s last five outings they have one victory, two draws and two losses. They beat league leaders Forest Green Rovers 1-0 and drew with Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic. But they were defeated at home in a 1-0 loss against Hartlepool United. They hosted Bristol Rovers in their last game.
Harry Anderson gave Rovers the lead on 41 minutes and Aaron Collins doubled it after 65 minutes.
Four minutes later Jake Hessenthaler got a goal back to halve the deficit but they could not find an
equaliser meaning Bristol Rovers took the three points back home.
