It's the small matter of a 400-mile round trip on Saturday as we head to Essex for our Sky Bet League Two match against Colchester United. Below is some useful information before the journey.
Their Home
Colchester United play their home games at the JobServe Community Stadium, which has a capacity of 10,105. They moved from there from their old ground, Layer Road in 2008.
Vale fans will be housed in the North Stand.
Getting There
Travelling by Car
A12 - JUNCTION 28
The JobServe Community Stadium is just seconds from the main A12 trunk road that serves East Anglia.
From the south (Ipswich bound carriageway)
To access the stadium from the south, turn off at Junction 28, turning right at the first roundabout. Go across the bridge and then go straight over the second roundabout, before turning right into United Way from the third roundabout. You are now at the stadium.
From the north (London bound carriageway)
To access the stadium from the north, turn off at Junction 28, turning left at the first roundabout. Turn right into United Way from the second roundabout. You are now at the stadium.
The postcode of the stadium is CO4 5UP, but you can also use CO4 5JS, which is the nearby Rapid Electronics factory.
Match Day Car Park Permits
Please note that there is only limited car parking at the stadium itself, with just under 700 spaces in the main stadium car park. You can book a parking permit via www.colutickets.com
Log into your account, then scroll down to 'Match Permits'. Under 'Available parking, you will find the games that parking is available for.
Fans are able to use the nearby Park & Ride car park, which is a 5-10 minute walk to the stadium across Boxted Road bridge.
Parking Exclusion Zone
Visiting supporters should be aware that the immediate area around the JobServe Community Stadium is subject to a Parking Exclusion Zone on matchdays.
Covering both existing Clearways and also nearby residential areas, these roads will be marshalled by Colchester United and Essex Police to prevent parking on roads not permitted under the Stadium Travel Plan.
Parking in Colchester
Fans coming by car are able to park in town centre car parks, paying the required fee, before joining up with the Matchday Travel Service.
There are a number of town centre car parks if you wish to sample the town itself before the game, whilst there is also an extensive pay car park at Colchester Train Station.
If parking in a town centre car park, visiting fans can buy a ticket on the number 65 bus on Head Street, which drops off in Mill Road, which is a 10 minute walk to the stadium. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the town centre and visiting fans may find that getting to the ground in this way is an enjoyable one.
Travelling by Rail
If you're travelling by Rail from Stoke-on-Trent to Colchester you will be expected to make a minimum of two changes.
Below information taken from Trainline.com
Stoke-on-Trent to London Euston (Train)
London Euston to London Liverpool Street (Underground)
London Liverpool Street to Colchester (Train)
Taxis serve the station and, if you leave the station and turn right under the railway bridge, the bus stop there serves the 2, 8 and 65 bus, all of which get you to within a ten minute walk of the stadium.
Playlist
As always our Stadium Manager, Steve Brown has collated a playlist to accompany you on your journey. You can find it on Spotify, below.
Tickets
Tickets are available through the Colchester United ticket website. More information regarding tickets can be found here
Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the JobServe Community Stadium via the Ticket Machines in the Club Shop. Please be aware though that it is cheaper to buy online in advance.
Fan Zone
The Colchester United Fanzone is situated behind the South Stand and is open to home and away fans.
The fan zone opens at 12:15pm.
In The Stadium
There are kiosks situated inside the concourse where a range of refreshments are available including burgers, hot dogs, pies and a wide range of drinks and other confectionery.
Please note that the JobServe Stadium is a cashless stadium.