We hit the road for the first time in 2025 on Saturday as we make the trip to the Eco-Power Stadium to take on Doncaster Rovers.
The Valiants come into the game off the back of a 0-0 draw against Cheltenham on New Year’s Day in what was a much-improved performance from Darren Moore’s side.
Gaffer's Thoughts
Here’s what the Vale manager said following Wednesday’s stalemate:
“This performance today had the fight, grit and determination that epitomises Vale supporters and what they want to see from their team.
“That commitment, endeavour and fight presented some chances. I thought what was probably missing was that little bit of composure in the final third. I thought when we got in the final third we were still 100mph which I can understand.”
“The main thing for me was the performance, the never-say-die attitude and then the clean sheet because you can always build from that.”
The gaffer also spoke ahead of Saturday’s trip to Doncaster Rovers:
“That performance today (Saturday) was more like us and we have to take the positives from the game as we have a quick turnaround with an away game on Saturday, and we have to make sure that we continue on this form and keep building on top of it.
The Opposition
At the time of writing, Doncaster Rovers sit 2nd in League Two and come into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory against Fleetwood Town where Billy Sharp’s 92nd minute winner earned Rovers all three points that propelled them up the table.
Rovers currently sit on 40 points, two more than the Valiants, but as the top seven is so congested, three places separate the sides. Despite sitting second in the table, Doncaster have only won three of their last ten games in Skybet League Two.
Doncaster have a decent record the Eco-Power Stadium so far this season. In their 12 home fixtures this season they have won six, drawn four and only lost two games. Their last loss at home came back in October when they lost 1-0 to Bromley.
Who’s In Charge?
Grant McCann is in his second spell in charge of Doncaster Rovers. He first took charge of the club in 2018 where he led his side to a spot in the League Two play offs. However, his side lost out in the semi-final to Charlton Athletic where they drew 4-4 over the two legs but lost on penalties. This would be the first of two occasions that his Doncaster side lost on penalties in the Play-Off Semi-Finals.
After spells and Hull City and Peterborough United, McCann returned to the Keepmoat Stadium in February 2023 with his side sat in 22nd place.
He guided Rovers to a club record-equalling ten wins a row to earn them a Play-Off spot where they were beaten by Crewe Alexandra in the semi-final in another penalty shootout.
Player to Watch
Luke Molyneux has been the stand-out player for Doncaster this season. The attacking midfielder has already got thirteen goal involvements in the 31 games he’s played in all competitions this season. Molyneux has scored eight goals and got five assists and he is well on his way to beating last season’s tally of eleven goals and ten assists.
Molyneux was the star man in the reverse fixture between Doncaster and Vale earlier this season. The 26-year-old scored twice and got one assist to help his side to a 3-1 victory at Vale Park.
Centre back, Joseph Olowu comes into the game in fine form. The 25-year-old defender has not only been a rock at the back for his side, but he also popped up two goals and two assists. One of these assists came in his side's last game when he set up Billy Sharp’s late winner.
Talking of Billy Sharp, the 38-year-old is still scoring goals in the Football League. He has started 16 league games for his side this season and has found the net seven times.
Sharp is in his second spell at Doncaster. His first stint at the club began almost fifteen years ago in 2009 where he scored 41 goals in a three-year spell at the Eco-Power Stadium. Since his last spell at the club, he has enjoyed a prolific career scoring over 250 goals in just over 650 games.
Last Time We Met.
Doncaster Rovers 0-1 Port Vale, Tuesday 10th December 2024
The sides met last month in the last 32 of the Vertu Trophy and it was the Valiants who emerged as winners thanks to a late winner.
The home side had the better of the ball in the first half and were unlucky to not be ahead at the break. In the 23rd minute Harry Clifton rifled an effort towards the top corner which had the beating of Ben Amos, before it crashed off the upright and went away to safety.
Vale had a good opportunity of their own just four minutes later when Lorent Tolaj’s cross was met by Ruari Paton who forced a good reflex save from Ian Lawlor in the Doncaster goal. Vale had the woodwork to thank again in first half added time, Joe Ironside met a cross from the right with a downward header that struck the base of the post.
In the second half, both sides enjoyed spells of possession without really challenging the defences and with the game looking destined for the penalties there was one last chance for the Vale.
Rico Richards picked up the ball in the final third before lofting a through ball into the path of Rekeem Harper who beat the keeper to the ball and finished calmly to send his aside into the last 16 of the EFL Trophy in the most dramatic of fashions.
