The Valiants are back in action on Tuesday night as we make the trip to the EV Charger Points Stadium to take on Cheltenham Town.
Vale come into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra eight days ago. Jack Shorrock’s wonder goal gave Vale the lead in the 2nd minute. Crewe eventually levelled the scores against ten-man Valiants when Jack Lankester turned home from close range to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Darren Moore’s side have the best away record in the league after picking up 19 points from nine games on the road this season. This comes in the form of six wins, one draw and two losses. Four of these six wins have been 1-0 wins where Vale ground out a hard-fought wins on the road.
The Opposition
The Robins come into the game off the back of a 2-0 Emirates FA Cup Second Round defeat against Salford City. Two first half goals in as many minutes were enough to knock Cheltenham out of the cup.
In the league, Cheltenham sit in 14th position with 21 points from 17 games played. In their last league outing, Levi Colwill’s late goal helped them to a 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers at the EV Charger Points Stadium. Prior to this victory, Cheltenham had won just three games in eleven league fixtures.
The Robins have a decent record at home with four wins from nine fixtures at the EV Charger Points Stadium. They have also lost three and drawn two games at home this season.
Who’s in Charge - Michael Flynn
Flynn was appointed as manager of club in the summer after Darrell Clarke left to join Barnsley. The 44-year-old has had previous managerial stints and Newport County, Walsall and Swindon Town.
Whilst in charge of Newport County, Flynn enjoyed various cup runs across numerous seasons. In the 2017/18 season, his side beat Leeds United in the Third Round of the FA Cup. In the Fourth Round, his side drew against Tottenham Hotspur before losing in the replay at Wembley Stadium.
The following season, Newport beat Leicester City in the Third Round of the FA Cup before beating Middlesbrough in a reply in the Fourth Round. In the next round, they would play Manchester City where they lost 4-1 despite a spirited performance.
In the same season, Flynn guided his Newport side to a League Two play-off final where they were beaten by Tranmere Rovers in extra time. In the 2021/22 season, Michael Flynn resigned from his role as manager and has since held various managerial positions across the football league.
Player to Watch
The standout player for the Robins this season has been Levi Colwill. The on-loan Cardiff attacking midfielder has been his sides most creative player. In his 21 games played in all competitions, Colwill has scored six goals and got three assists from his role just behind the striker. In his most recent league outing, Colwill scored the winning goal in the 89th minute when his low effort arrowed into the far corner to earn his side all three points against Tranmere Rovers.
Another player to keep an eye out for is Luke Young. The former Wrexham AFC captain provides experience and leadership in the centre of Cheltenham’s midfield. He’s also popped up with three goals and two assists so far this season.
There are a few former Valiants in the Cheltenham ranks too. Promotion winner Tom Pett plays for the Robins, but he’s only started five league games this season. Former Vale striker Matty Taylor also plays for Cheltenham
Fixture Throwback
Cheltenham Town 1-3 Port Vale, Saturday 30th November 2019.
Tom Pope was the hero for Vale when we last won at Whaddon Road back in 2019. The hosts took the lead in the 3rd minute when Reuben Reid scored from the spot after Sean Long was fouled my Christian Montano.
On the hour mark Vale levelled when Tom Pope headed home Rhys Browne’s cross from close range. Two minutes later, Pope added his second when he met David Amoo’s cross with a stooping header that squirmed under the keeper to complete the comeback.
In the 68th minute, Tom Pope capped off a sensational eight-minute spell with another goal when he fired home from close range to complete his hat-trick and earn Vale a place in the FA Cup Third Round where we would go on to face Manchester City.
