The Valiants are back in action on Saturday as we make the trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium to take on Reading in Sky Bet League One.
Vale come into the game off the back of a pulsating 3-3 against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. Andy Crosby’s side came from behind three times in what was a rollercoaster of a game with Ethan Chislett, Uche Ikpeazu and Gavin Massey were all on the scoresheet for the Vale.
Crosby’s Comments
Here’s what the gaffer had to say after Saturday’s draw:
“A lot happened in the game, a lot of excitement either end. I stand here a little frustrated that we have not been able to see it out but at the same time a lot of pride that we have had so many young players on the pitch and two of them have scored”
Crosby also shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s fixture:
“We’re expecting a difficult game. We’ve been looking at Reading and they are a well-coached team. It’s difficult circumstances at this moment in time for Ruben (Selles) to manage the football club on a daily basis as there always seems to be something going off.”
“What I can say is when I looked at his team, they looked organised, they looked like they’d got good structure, I can see what they’re trying to do. With young players sometimes you don’t get that consistency but he’s working in really challenging times at the football club through no fault of his own.”
“It’s a former employer of mine so I do wish them all the best going forward. They’ve obviously ran into challenging times because of an ownership issue but we’re going there on Saturday not to be worrying about Reading, we’re going there to win the game”
The Opposition
Reading sit in 21st place in Sky Bet League One, currently three points adrift from safety in the relegation zone. However, they were deducted four points at the start of the season following off-the-field issues.
The Royals come into the game off the back of a Bristol Street Motors penalty shootout defeat against Brighton. After ninety minutes at the Amex Stadium, the game ended 0-0 before the hosts won 3-2 on penalties.
In the league, Reading are unbeaten in six. In their last outing, they picked up all three points after beating Exeter 3-2 at home. Femi Azeez scored the winning goal in the 77th minute to help them pick up a crucial three points.
Who’s in Charge?
Reading are managed by former Southampton manager Ruben Selles. The Spaniard took over the reins at Reading after Paul Ince left his role in April following the club’s relegation from the Championship.
Selles was at Southampton last season as Assistant Manager and was named as the club’s new manager following the end of Nathan Jones' tenure. Following relegation from the Premier League, Selles was released from his position as manager before going on to join Reading in the summer of 2023.
Player to Watch - Sam Smith
The Royals have two players leading their top scorer charts. Both Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith have found the net six times this season. Smith joined the royals in the summer when he made the move from Cambridge United. He missed the first few months of the season with an injury but he has since rejoined the starting XI and has made a difference in the Royals upturn in results.
Another player to watch is Femi Azeez, he has got ten goal involvements so far this season. Azeez has found the net four times and assisted six goals in his 25 games played so far this season. Azeez comes into the game with three games and one assist in his last four league appearances.
Last Time We Met
Port Vale 1-0 Reading, Saturday 12th August 2023
When the sides met earlier this season, the Vale came away with three points thanks to Ben Garrity’s first second half goal.
A loose ball fell to Ben Garrity in the box and with his back to goal he shot on the swivel and his strike took a deflection and looped over David Button in the Reading goal before nestling in the back of the net to earn the Vale all three points at Vale Park.
Match Officials
The match officials for this weekend's fixture against Reading FC have been confirmed.
Ross Joyce will take charge of the match and will be assisted by Andrew Hickman and Adrian Tranter. Chris Wade will be on the touchline as the fourth official.