The Valiants will have the backing off just over 1,600 fans on Saturday as we make the short trip to Crewe Alexandra.
Darren Moore’s side will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday following midweek defeat against Barrow. This defeat was one of three in 2025 and it leaves Vale 4th in the league table.
Gaffer's Thoughts
Looking ahead to Saturday, here’s what the Gaffer had to say:
“We also know our work off the ball has to be good because we know the questions they ask. When we played them earlier in the season it was a great atmosphere, we got off to a blistering start but then suffered the red card. We did well until the last kick of the game when they got the equaliser. It was a really closely fought contest where neither side gave anything away.
“We predict the same again at their place. We are taking a large travelling support. Our away support has been fantastic this season and has driven the players on.
“We know the magnitude of the game, but we have worked hard all season to be in these types of games at this part of the season."
The Opposition
Crewe Alexandra currently sit in 9th place in the league table, two points outside the play-off spots. After losing out in the Play-Off Final last season, they will be looking to finish inside the top seven and go one step further this time round.
The Railwaymen come into the game on a three-game unbeaten streak which comes in the form of three draws. In their most recent outing, they picked up a solid point on the road as they drew 0-0 with Notts County at Meadow Lane.
These three draws have contributed to them having the most draws in the league as they have picked up 16 draws in their 38 games so far.
Not only do Crewe have the most draws this season, but they have also lost the least number of games. The Alex have only lost eight games this season which along with Walsall, Colchester United and the Valiants is the least amount of all losses in League Two.
Crewe have been steady at the Mornflake Stadium so far this season. In their 18 home games they have won eight, drawn six and lost four.
Who’s in Charge?
A product of Crewe’s academy, Lee Bell’s journey at the club began when he was just 14 years old when he signed a schoolboy contract. Since then, Bell has made 136 appearances for the club spanning over two separate spells. The 41-year-old has done it all at the club, from player to U18’s manager, U23’s manager, assistant manager and now first team manager.
Bell took charge of the Alex in 2022 after Alex Morris left the club to join Stoke City. After becoming the club’s permanent manager in December 2022, Bell guided his side to a midtable finish. In his first full season in charge, Crewe finished 6th in League Two before eventually losing to Crawley Town in the play-off final.
In his 133 games as manager of the club, Bell has won 49 games, lost 42 and drawn 42. Giving him a win percentage of 36%.
Player to Watch
Experienced EFL defender and Crewe captain Mickey Demetriou returned to the starting XI last weekend after a long injury layoff. The 35-year-old is in his second season at the club. Last season, he scored nine goals from his defensive position which proved pivotal in his side's strong season. He hasn’t quite matched last season’s offensive stats but he has still put in some impressive displays.
Tom Lowery and Connor O’Riordan retuned to Crewe on loan in January. Both players are academy products of the club and have been bought back to push for promotion. O’Riordan has already found the net three times in his twelve games played. Lowery on the other hand has two assists in ten games and both players are benefitting from regular game time at Gresty Road.
Both of Crewe’s wing backs will provide a threat at the weekend. Max Conway on the left side has two goals and one assist and on the other flank, Ryan Cooney has had a productive season with four goals and six assists in all competitions.
There’s plenty of experience up top for the Railwaymen with Kane Hemmings, Omar Bogle and Chris Long amongst the Alex ranks. These players will need to step up after Shilow Tracey’s season was ended after he fractured his leg and Jack Lankester is slowly returning to full fitness after he picked up a foot injury in January.
Fixture Throwback
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Port Vale, Saturday 2nd November 2019.
The Valiants are unbeaten against Crewe in the last eight meetings in all competitions. The last time the sides met at The Mornflake Stadium was back in 2019 and it was the Valiants who once again came away with all three points.
As usual, it was a tight, cagey affair and the hosts came close in the first half when Charlie Kirk’s in-swinging cross almost crept in at the back post, but it crashed off the post before going wide.
The only goal of the game came on the hour mark when David Worrall’s cross was met by Nathan Smith who saw his header come off the post before falling kindly to Jake Taylor to fire home from close range to spark bedlam in the away stand!
Crewe had keeper Will Jasskelainen to thank moments later when he made a stunning save to keep his side in the game. Worrall’s cross was met by a diving header from Tom Pope, but the Crewe stopper was on hand to somehow push Pope’s effort onto the crossbar.
Vale had chances to seal the victory as David Worrall flashed a low effort across the face of goal and David Amoo headed over after beating Jasskelainen to another delicious Worrall cross.
Despite not taking their chances, Vale managed to come away with all three points as our impressive record against Crewe continued.
Ref Watch
Martin Coy has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s fixture. He will be assisted by Johnathon Bickerdike and Marvyn Amphlett. Dale Baines will be fourth official.
Coy last took charge of a Vale game in the 2023/24 season when he was the man in the middle for our 3-3 draw against Charlton Athletic. He has taken charge of 23 games this season which has mostly consisted of League One & Two fixtures.
