A look ahead to this evening's friendly against Derby County

Vale face Championship opposition this evening as they take on Derby County in the first of pre-season friendlies to be played at Vale Park in the space of eight days. (kick off 7.30pm)

Nigel Clough’s men arrive in Burslem fresh from their own trip to Ireland, where they came away with a 6-1 win against Bohemians.

New signing Johnny Russell, who arrived at Pride Park from Dundee United in the summer, grabbed himself a brace, whilst Callum Ball, Ben Davies, Conor Sammon and Paul Coutts were also on the mark.

The Rams finished in a healthy tenth spot last season and are tipped to do even better this term by Vale boss Micky Adams and will prove to pose a tough test for the Valiants.

Vale have started their own pre-season in style with four victories, bags of goals and only one conceded, but this game will prove to be a completely different proposition.

Although Micky Adams will not see the result as particularly important – fitness is of paramount importance – he would of course like to see a positive performance from his players.

Don’t forget to purchase a ticket from the new Port Vale Ticket Office, situated down at the new Club Shop – there will be no cash on the turnstiles for this game.