Port Vale face another difficult test against one of the league’s high flyers, when we travel to the Peninsula Stadium tomorrow to take on Salford City. You can find all of the key information regarding the game, below.

Fixture: Salford City vs Port Vale

Competition: Sky Bet League Two

Date: Tuesday 2nd March

Kick-Off: 7:00 pm

Venue: Peninsula Stadium

Referee: Tom Nield

Port Vale

Manager: Darrell Clarke

Form: WLDDL

Top Goal Scorer: Devante Rodney (9 Goals)

The Valiants will be looking to replicate the success of the last encounter with the Ammies, where Cristian Montano’s acrobatic effort just four minutes from time was enough to secure all three points at Vale Park, the first win over Salford in the club's history.

Three points this weekend would be a welcome boost to the Vale, in helping to pull away from the relegation zone and secure Darrell Clarke his first win as Port Vale manager. The Valiants will also be seeking a first ever win at the Peninsula Stadium, as we aim to move swiftly on from last weekend’s tight defeat to league leaders Cambridge United.

The main aim urged by manager Darrell Clarke is to begin turning the continued strong performances into wins, by being more clinical with the chances created and killing off games to guarantee we pick up the points deserved from the displays being produced.

“The lads have given me absolutely everything and I always watch the games back, get the data, get the stats, running stats, sprinting stats, all of that and the effort has been outstanding, however the quality’s been lacking.”

 

Darrell Clarke, Port Vale Manager

Salford City

Manager: Richie Wellens

Form: WWDLD

Top Goal Scorer: Ian Henderson (11 Goals)

It has been a season of ups and downs for Salford, with manager Graham Alexander departing the club and being replaced by then Swindon Town boss Richie Wellens in October, with their form seeing them continue to gradually climb up the table and work towards their continued goal of quickly rising through the English footballing pyramid. 

The Ammies have been under the spotlight since gaining promotion to League Two last season due to their ownership and connections to Manchester United and boast an impressive squad, with many high profile names such as James Wilson, Darren Gibson and George Boyd.

With recent results leaving Wellens’ side ninth in the league and just one point outside the Play-Off positions, they will be eager to extend their unbeaten home form against the Vale and continue their promotion push.

One to watch: James Wilson

The Ammies acquisition of James Wilson to the Peninsula Stadium was one of the biggest stories of last season’s January transfer window, with the forward scoring twice and assisting once in his six appearances before the premature end of the campaign.

The 25-year-old striker graduated from the Manchester United academy before representing Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby County and Sheffield United in loan moves as he built up his reputation and notability.

Wilson, who has appeared for England at under-16 to under-21 level, then moved to Aberdeen in the SPL on loan before signing on a permanent basis prior to his move to the Peninsula Stadium, picking up 10 goal involvements during his time with the Dons.

The Ammies have been seeing the best of Wilson, who scored three goals in 15 appearances for Man United, as he continues to cause problems for opposition defences this season, with him already netting eight times and assisting once.

Talk:

Darrell Clarke: “We play Salford, who were everyone’s favourites to win the league at the start of this season because obviously they have a healthy backing, but it’ll be a tough test, they’ve got some big name players but I won’t be fearing Salford, we’ll be respecting them, respecting their strengths and certainly trying to exploit their weaknesses.”

Warren Joyce: "Every single point counts because it’s another step forward to where we want to be… we’ve got to keep going, there’s a lot of points left this season."

Coverage:

iFollow The Vale will be providing full 90-minute coverage of the match for all domestic supporters, whilst the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feeds will be providing live updates for the entirety.

To purchase an iFollow match pass click here.

There will also be the build-up to the game with the official Snapchat and Instagram accounts: @officialpvfc

Reaction will be available on the website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and our official social media channels.