The Valiants take a break from league action tonight as we welcome Wrexham to Vale Park in the Last 16 of the Vertu Trophy
This is the second attempt at this fixture as the original tie was postponed last month. The sides now have the benefit of knowing who they will face in the next round as the winners will play host to Bolton Wanderers in the Quarter Final of the Vertu Trophy.
Vale come into the game off the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Accrington Stanley at the weekend, despite spending the majority of the game with ten men.
The Vale took the lead in the 7th minute when Tom Sang’s whipped cross was met by Jayden Stockley who headed home from six yards out. Five minutes later, Vale were reduced to ten men when Sang was sent off following a tackle on Ashley Hunter.
After the break, Accrington benefitted from their man advantage as they levelled the scores in the 51st minute. Half time substitute Tyler Walton was on hand to fire home from close range when he reacted quickest to Ashley Hunter’s effort that crashed off the bar.
However, this lead didn’t last long as Vale showed great character to regain the lead. Ben Garrity played a perfectly-weighted through ball into the path of Lorent Tolaj who beat the keeper to the ball and finished calmly to earn his side another hard-fought three points.
Gaffer's Thoughts:
Here’s what Darren Moore had to say following Saturday’s victory:
“This was a really important game for us and it was about making sure we got the three points at all costs.”
“It was hard-fought with commitment and endeavour from the players and incredible support to keep the boys going. What impressed me most was that, even when they equalised, we kept on the front foot. We got in front again and made sure we kept our lead and saw the game out."
The Story So Far
In the Vertu Trophy, the Valiants finished 2nd In Northern Group B after one victory and two penalty shootout wins. They only finished 2nd in the table on goal difference; Wrexham had a goal difference of +4 and Vale’s was +2 which means Vale had to settle for second place.
In the first knockout round, Vale beat Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at The Eco-Power Stadium. Rekeem Harper’s last-gasp winner earned his side a place in the final 16, setting up a home tie against Wrexham.
The Opposition
Wrexham finished top of Group B in the Vertu Trophy after picking up two wins and one draw over three group games.
Vale and Wrexham met in the final tie of the group stage and the game ended 0-0 after ninety minutes. Ben Amos was the hero for The Valiants as he saved three penalties to earn Vale the “bonus” point.
In the Round of 32, they beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 at Stōk Car Ras thanks to Aaron James’ goal in the 79th minute.
In the league, Wrexham sit 3rd in Sky Bet League One with 55 points from their 29 games. They come into the game off the back of a dramatic 2-1 victory at Crawley Town.
Former Premier League winner, Matty James gave Wrexham an early lead when found the net in the 2nd minute. The hosts thought they’d snatched a point late on when Bradley Ibrahim levelled the scores in the 90th minute. However, Wrexham immediately hit back and won the game in the 95th minute when Elliot Lee headed home from close range.
Who’s in Charge?
Former Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson is in charge of Wrexham. He became the club’s manager in July 2021 and has played a huge part in his side rise from the National League to League One. In their way to the football league, he guided Wrexham to 111 points in their record-breaking National League season as they went up as champions after a dramatic race to the top with Notts County. This points tally broke the record for the most points in the top five leagues of English Football.
Last month, Parkinson reached 1,000 games as a manager which shows the success that he’s had in a career that began 21 years ago at Colchester United.
Last weekend, Parkinson clocked up his 200th competitive game in charge of Wrexham. In this time, he has won 122, drawn 43 and lost 35.
Player to Watch
Paul Mullin has been ever-present for Wrexham in their Vertu Motors Trophy campaign. Mullin has scored two in the Trophy so far. The 30-year-old has found minutes hard to come by of late so he will be desperate to be included tonight as he looks to get himself back in Phil Parkinson’s plans.
In the transfer window, Wrexham have flexed their financial muscles by adding Reading Striker Sam Smith, and former England International Jay Rodriguez to their attacking ranks. Both players made their full debuts on Saturday and could be involved today as they continue to integrate into the team.
Last Time We Met
Port Vale 1-1 Wrexham AFC (Vale won 3-1 on pens)
Ben Amos was the hero when the sides met earlier this season as he saved three penalties to earn Vale an extra point after a 1-1 draw.
After a goalless first half, Wrexham took the lead five minutes after the break when a corner from the right was flicked on at the near post before Max Cleworth diverted the ball home from close range. The equalising goal came eight minutes from time when a loose ball fell to Rico Richards who turned well and beat Mark Howard with a low shot that nestled in the corner.
After the ninety minutes ended in a draw, the game eventually went to penalties. Vale keeper, Ben Amos saved a hat-trick of penalties and Lorent Tolaj, Jason Lowe & Conor Grant all scored their spot kicks to help Vale to a 3-1 victory at Vale Park.
