The Valiants return to action on Saturday when we make the trip to Derbyshire to take on Chesterfield.
Darren Moore’s side will be backed by a sold out away end at the SMH Group Stadium as we look for a third league win on the bounce.
Vale come into the game off the back of an entertaining 3-2 victory over Newport County last weekend, despite being behind at the break.
Bobby Kamwa’s close-range header gave the Exiles an early lead, before Ben Garrity met Jeheim Headley’s corner with a powerful header to level the scores. The visitors regained the lead ten minutes before the break when Cameron Evans headed past Ben Amos to give his side the lead at half time.
The Vale levelled the scores just after the break when Nathan Smith headed Lorent Tolaj’s cross into the path of Jayden Stockley who was on hand to slam home from close range. The comeback was complete in the 77th minute when Headley cut inside from the right before arrowing a low strike into the bottom corner to mark his home debut with the winning goal.
Gaffer's Thoughts
Here’s what Darren Moore had to say following Saturday’s victory:
“We had to earn that result. Had you said to me we were going to score three goals then we would have wanted three points. I’m pleased that type of performance, with fighting spirit, came at Vale Park. The fans would have connected with the boys today and that never-say-die attitude.”
The Gaffer also spoke ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chesterfield:
“It’s another wonderful game, it’s a game where both teams, at this part of the season find themselves just looking forward to the next game. We remember the game earlier in the season, it was an excellent game. A game that we just shaded, but a real top, top level game.
“They are a good team, they’ve got a good experienced manager and their season is very much alive for them, as it is with us. We’re looking forward to the game, this week’s been a good week to work. We know the magnitude of the game in terms of what it means to both clubs and we’re looking forward to it."
The Opposition
Chesterfield made a bright start to their first season back in the EFL in six years. However, they have dropped off the pace and find themselves sat in 10th place in the League table.
The Spirites come into the game on a five-game winless run which spans back to the 21st December when they beat Wimbledon by a goal to nil.
Chesterfield’s record at home has been very mixed. In their twelve games played at the SMH Group Stadium, they have won four, drawn six and lost two
In their last outing they were forced to settle for a point at Grimsby Town. The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to Jordan Davies’ low strike. Chesterfield levelled the scored ten minutes before the break thanks to Tom Naylor’s header at the near post.
Chesterfield were dealt a blow in the week when James Berry left the club to sign for Wycombe Wanderers. The 24-year-old has been a big player for his side this season, pitching in with ten goals and three assists in all competitions.
Berry isn’t the only influential to have departed the club in this transfer window. Blackburn loanee, Dilan Markanday has been recalled by his parent club and sent on loan to Leyton Orient. The attacking winger scored seven goals and got three assists during his time at the club.
Who’s in Charge?
Paul Cook is in his second spell in charge of the Spirites after a successful first stint between 2012-15.
In his first period at the football club, he led his side to the League Two title in 2013/14. The following campaign saw Chesterfield finish 6th in League One. However, they lost in the Play-Offs to eventual winners Preston North End.
Cook then left Chesterfield in 2015 to join Portsmouth where he would help them win the League Two title in the 2016/17.
After leaving Fratton Park in May 2017, Cook has spells at Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town before returning to Chesterfield in 2022 with the club in the National League. In the 2023/24 season, the Spirites returned to the football league after winning the National League, and in doing so, they broke a club record for the most wins in a league campaign with 27 wins over the League Season.
In his second spell at the club, Cook has managed 152 games. In this time he has won 83, drawn 31 and lost 45.
Player to Watch
Both Berry and Markanday had been the standout players for the Spirites so far this season and both players will be hugely missed by the club.
Along with those two departures, leading scorer Will Grigg is also expected to miss the game after picking up a calf injury late last year.
Albanian midfielder, Armando Dobra will be hoping to continue his productive season despite missing some key teammates. So far this season, Dobra has scored nine goals from his central midfield position in all competitions.
Darren Oldaker sits just in front of the back four in a defensive midfield position. Despite sitting deep, the 26-year-old has still scored four goals and got three assists.
Chesterfield signed centre half Kyle McFadzean from Blackburn Rovers. The experienced defender has over 300 EFL appearances and he will be bring a sense of calm to the Spirites backline. He could make his debut this weekend.
Former Vale academy product Ryan Boot plays for Chesterfield. Boot has made 12 League appearances for his side but hasn’t played since early November as Max Thompson has taken the number one spot.
Last Time We Met
Port Vale 1-0 Chesterfield, Saturday 14th September 2024
The Valiants took all three points in the reverse fixture thanks for Ethan Chislett’s first half goal.
The only goal of the game came eleven minutes into the fixture, Connor Ripley’s long kick up field was met by Jayden Stockley who headed into the path of Lorent Tolaj. The Vale forward then deftly flicked the ball into path of Chislett who broke free of the backline before slotting past Ryan Boot with a composed finish.
Moments later, Chislett came close to doubling his tally when he cut inside from the left before curling an effort towards goal, but Boot was on hand to palm it around the post
In the second half, Vale came inches away from adding a second when George Byers’ tough tackle won the ball back on the edge of box before Lorent Tolaj fired a shot just wide of the upright.