The Valiants are in Carabao Cup action this Tuesday night when we welcome fellow League One side Fleetwood Town to Vale Park, 7:45pm kick off!
Crosby’s Comments:
When reacting to Saturday’s defeat at Barnsley, Port Vale manager Andy Crosby said:
“I will learn a hell of the lot about this group over the next few days. I will learn a lot about how they come in on Monday and respond. I will learn a lot about the leadership group and how they respond to it and how they influence the younger players. I will learn a lot about myself. I will learn a lot about my staff.
“It’s not the start we wanted, but it’s the first game and we have a chance to learn valuable lessons from it.”
Opposition Focus:
The Cod Army picked up a solid point in their season opener against Carlisle United on Saturday. Carlisle took the lead in the 36th minute through Owen Moxon before Brendan Wiredu fired home in first half stoppage time to level the scores and earn his side a share of the points at Brunton Park.
In last season’s edition of the Carabao Cup, Fleetwood were knocked out by Premier League opposition in the second round. Their campaign began with a 1-0 victory over the Wigan Athletic thanks to Gerard Garner’s first half goal. This victory earned them a home tie against Everton in the second round. The Toffee’s played a relatively strong squad with the likes of Asmir Begovic, Soloman Rondon, Alex Iwobi and Demari Gray all starting. Despite a valiant performance from Fleetwood they were knocked out after Gray slotted home at the back post to earn his side a 1-0 victory and avoid any potential giant-killing.
One to Watch – Danny Mayor
After helping Plymouth Argyle to the League One title last season, Danny Mayor made the move back to the North-West in the summer as he joined Fleetwood Town. Mayor played 140 times for the Pilgrims, winning promotion from both League One and Two in his four-year stint in Devon. He was also named in the PFA League Two Team of The Year in the 2019-20 season.
Mayor joined Plymouth from Bury where he really made a name for himself after playing 168 times for The Shakers. In his time at Gigg Lane we won promotion from League Two twice. Once in the 2014-15 season when he was named as the League’s Player of the Season and then also in the 2018-19 season when he was again named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Last Season’s Meetings:
Port Vale 2-0 Fleetwood Town, 30th July 2022
Two first half goals from defenders helped The Vale to a 2-1 victory on the opening day of the season. Fleetwood took the lead after just six minutes when Dan Batty fired home from just inside the box. Vale levelled on the half-hour mark when Connor Hall beat his man down the right side before crossing to Nathan Smith to bundle home and get his side back on level terms. Two minutes later Vale were ahead when Connor Hall finished off an excellent corner routine to help The Valiants to all three points.
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Port Vale, 11th March 2023:
The reverse fixture was in March when Vale travelled to Highbury. The game took a while to spring into life, In fact it wasn’t until the 57th minute when the first goal was scored. Sammy Robinson showed good feet on the edge of the box to get his shot away, his effort deflected perfectly into the path of Matty Taylor who was on hand to finish well from 10 yards and spark jubilant scenes in the packed away end. However, Vale weren’t able to hold onto their lead as Jack Marriot managed to bundle home from close range following a good save from Aidan Stone.
Fixture Throwback
Port Vale 2-1 Fleetwood Town, 12th November 2016.
Vale have won their last two home fixtures against Fleetwood, one was last season and the other was in 2016 when the Vale came from behind to take all three points in dramatic fashion. The visitors took the lead in the 53rd minute when Chris Long glanced in a header from close range. Vale levelled in the 73rd minute when Ryan Taylor found Rigino Cicilia in the box and he fired home from close range. Then, in the 86th minute, Vale snatched all three points. Jerome Thomas skipped four tackles down the left side before crossing to Alex Jones who just about managed to force the ball over the line. Despite having Anthony Grant sent off late on, Vale managed to hold on and take all three points.
How to Watch:
Valiants can purchase tickets in advance for Tuesday’s fixture by heading to our ticketing website (http://www.pvfc-shop.com). Please note - only the Hamil Road Stand and The Lorne Street Stand are open for home supporters.