Vale make the 150-mile trip north this evening, as they face Carlisle United in Sky Bet League Two action. Below you can find all the information you need regarding the match-up…
Date: 21stAugust 2018
Kick Off: 07:45pm
Competition: Sky Bet League Two
Venue: Brunton Park
Last time we met: Port Vale 1-2 Carlisle United
Referee: Ben Toner
Port Vale
Form: DLWDLLWLLW
Top goal scorer: Tom Pope (2 goals)
Port Vale will come into tonight’s fixture with their tails up following a spirited performance at home to Crawley Town which saw them secure their second win of the league season. A single Luke Hannant goal proved the difference on the day as Neil Aspin’s side made it two wins out of two in the league at Vale Park.
Manny Oyeleke has been ruled out of the clash with the Cumbrians, as the tie comes too early in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The powerful midfielder was taken off during the recent 1-0 win over Crawley Town. Vale may also be without defender Christian Montano, as the full-back hasn’t been training of late and faces a last-minute fitness test to determine whether he can play.
With the Colombian defender struggling to get back to full fitness, this hands Aston Villa loanee Mitchell Clark an opportunity to really nail down a place in Neil Aspin’s side having already impressed the gaffer on his debut against Crawley Town.
The tie sees Neil Aspin face-off with former team-mate and Carlisle United manager, John Sheridan, as the two enjoyed seven years of their playing career together with Leeds United. Luke Joyce makes his first return to the club he made over 160 appearances for before leaving for Port Vale this summer.
Carlisle United
Form: WLDWDWLDLW
Top goal scorer: Richie Bennett (2 goals)
The Cumbrians have had a mixed start to the 2018/19 season, playing out one win, one loss and one draw. Last weekend, Colchester earned their first win of the season as they overcame Cheltenham Town 1-0 at Whaddon Road – Richie Bennett the only scorer on the day.
John Sheridan’s side bowed out of the Carabao Cup in the first round, losing 5-1 to Blackburn Rovers at Brunton Park and are sitting at 15thin the league table following the opening three games of the season.
Last season both sides shared a win at peace, with both score lines at 2-1. Tyrone Barnett and Tom Pope were on target as Vale came out the victors at Brunton Park, though a goal from the Vale skipper at Vale Park wasn’t enough to get a result in the home fixture.
One to watch – Richie Bennett
6-ft-4 centre forward who has bagged two goals so far this season - one against Cheltenham and another away to Exeter City.
Bennett has only played one full season in the Football League so far in his career, having moved to Carlisle in 2017. The striker signed for the Cumbrians from National league side, Barrow, having had spells with Ashton united and Northwich Victoria prior to this.
With 40 appearances now under his belt at Football League level, Bennett could be one to keep an eye on this season, having started in impressive fashion.
Talk
Neil Aspin: “Any game away from home in this league is a tough game. You have to say over the last few years on our travels, we've not won enough games and certainly we need to start picking up points away from home as quickly as possible. It's an opportunity, but Carlisle have had a good away win on Saturday, so they'll be coming into the game confident.”
John Sheridan: “They’ve had two good results and they’ll want to keep that going, but they’re all tough games at this level, it doesn’t matter who you play. When we’re at home I expect us to win, and I’m not being disrespectful to anyone in saying that. I want us to be strong and believe that we can beat anybody in front of our own fans.”
Coverage:
Follow The Vale will be providing full 90 minute commentary from the match, whilst the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feeds will be providing live updates for the entirety.
There will also be build-up to the game with the official Snapchat and Instagram accounts: officialpvfc.
Reaction will be available on the official website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and social media.