The Valiants will be backed by another sold-out away end this weekend as we make the short trip to face Walsall.
Just shy of 2,000 tickets were quickly snapped up by supporters who will be hoping to see their side pick up our third victory in a row and potentially go top of the table.
Vale come into the game off the back of an excellent 2-0 victory over Bradford City in midweek. First-half goals from Lorent Tolaj and Mitch Clark put Vale ahead at the break. Ben Amos’ penalty save in the last minute put the icing on the cake in what was a massive victory for Darren Moore’s side.
This victory now leaves Vale level on points with 2nd place Bradford City and just two points behind league leaders, Walsall. With a win on Saturday and help from other results, Vale could end the weekend on top of the league with five games to go.
Gaffer's Thoughts
Here’s what Darren Moore had to say following Tuesday’s win:
“Credit to the players for their commitment and drive. They needed to be relentless tonight and I thought every single one of them was.”
“We wanted to start quickly and getting that start in the first 20 minutes was excellent. Lorent’s shot in off the bar was great and gave us a platform. Then I thought Mitch’s goal was excellent, the way he made his run inside the wing back and got a good contact on it. He’s good in the air.”
“So, 2-0 was a perfect start and we had to make sure we maintained our concentration. We believed that, as Bradford committed more bodies forward, we would maybe get the opportunity for a third.”
“But the main thing was keeping the back door shut. They had the late penalty, but Ben Amos has been outstanding since he has come into the team and that was a magnificent save.”
The gaffer also spoke ahead of tomorrow’s trip to the Poundland Bescott Stadium:
“We’ve still got a couple of days to prepare and we will prepare. We’re looking forward to the game on Saturday, the players are in a good place physically and mentally.”
“We’re looking forward to the game, we’re going to embrace the game and we’ll just continue doing what we’re doing.”
The Opposition
Walsall currently sit on top of the table. However, their lead of 12 points has now been cut to just two after a run of eight games with no wins.
The Saddlers' rise to the top of the table came in the winter months when they won a club-record nine games in a row to send them top of the league and ensure they had a comfortable gap ahead of the chasing pack.
Both Walsall and Bradford City have won half of their league games with 20 wins so far this season. In doing so, Walsall have scored 70 goals, 42 of which have come in their 20 home games.
Who’s in Charge?
39-year-old Matt Sadler is the manager of the Saddlers. After ending his playing career at the Poundland Stadium, Sadler was appointed interim manager of Walsall in April 2023 after Michael Flynn was sacked.
In his first permanent role as manager Sadler has a 42% win percentage after guiding his side to 45 wins from 106 games.
Player to Watch
Following the departure of Nathan Lowe, Walsall had to fill the near-impossible role of a prolific goalscorer. Experienced EFL forward, Jamille Matt, has helped fill the void as he found the net 12 times over the course of the season.
Taylor Allen has been the standout player for the Saddlers this campaign. The central midfielder has scored eight goals and assisted seven in what has been an excellent season from the 24-year-old.
Jamie Jellis has also had a good season. He’s caught the eye of clubs higher up with his performances in the heart of Walsall’s midfield.
Former Vale stopper Sam Hornby has recently made the number one spot his own. Stoke City loanee, Tommy Simkin, was the first-choice keeper, but Hornby has started their last four games.
Fixture Throwback
Walsall 0-1 Port Vale, Tuesday 25th April 2017
It’s been a while since Vale got one over Walsall. The Saddlers are unbeaten in the last seven meetings between the sides.
Our last league victory over Walsall came back in 2017 when we made the short trip to The Bescott Stadium for the penultimate game of the season knowing three points was a must to keep our chances of staying in League One alive going into the last game of the season.
Vale had the first chance of the game when Scott Tanser’s cross from the left was acrobatically volleyed wide by Sam Foley.
Just before the break, the hosts came inches away from going ahead when Keiron Morris’ left-footed effort crashed off the upright before Vale eventually cleared. Soon after, Vale had goalkeeper Leo Fasan to thank for keeping the scores level when he reacted quickest to James O’Connor’s goalward header.
In the second half, Amadou Bakayoko squandered a golden chance to give his side the lead when he got in behind and looked to lob Fasan, but the Vale keeper read it well and tipped the effort wide.
This save proved pivotal as Vale took the lead five minutes from time. Billy Reeves eventually got the ball under control on the edge of the before setting up Chris Eagles who arrowed a first-time strike into the top corner to earn his side a vital three points. However, this win delayed the inevitable as the Vale were relegated four days later after only drawing at Fleetwood Town.
Ref Watch
Lewis Smith will take charge of Saturday’s fixture. He will be assisted by Alan Cresswell and Mark Cunliffe. Stuart Morland will be the fourth official.
Smith has refereed 44 games this season ranging from the Championship to the National League North. Interestingly, Smith also took charge of a handful of games in the Japanese League prior to the 2024/25 English league season. Smith last took charge of Vale last season in our 2-1 Vertu Trophy loss at Wrexham AFC
