Vale Park will host the final League Two game of the 2017/18 campaign on Saturday, here’s all you need to know ahead of the game as we face Carlisle United.
Preview
Port Vale will head into Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two tie knowing that they will be playing in the Football League next season. Vale’s 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town last week secured their status following a late goal from Tom Pope.
Neil Aspin’s men will host Carlisle United in the final home game of the season. It has been a tough one for The Valiants but will have high hopes of leaving Vale Park for the final time this campaign.
The Cumbrians will make the 300-mile round trip to Burslem, knowing that they will have not of gained enough points for the play-offs, but will want to be steady for a top eight finish.
The Opposition
Carlisle United had high hopes of a successful season at the start of the campaign under the management of Keith Curle, who will be travelling for the last time as manager.
Curle’s three and a half year stay at Brunton Park will expire in the Summer as the Carlisle fans will want to bid an emotional farewell after the final whistle.
Last season, United lost out to Exeter City in the play-off semi-final last year and was hopeful of going one step further this time. Sadly, that won’t be the case for Carlisle as they look set to push for promotion next season.
One to Watch: Danny Grainger
The left-back has enjoyed a positive season so far in a Carlisle United shirt as he has contributed for majority of the campaign. His excellent eight goals from a full-back position have enabled the 31-year old to become The Cumbrains’ joint-second top goalscorer.
This was Grainger’s fourth season at Brunton Park and has made his presence known since he signed for the club in 2014.
His previous career saw him start off in his home country of Scotland where he played for Gretna in the Scottish Third Division. Dundee United soon came calling as he went on to feature in the SPL with St Johnstone, Hearts, St Mirren and Dunfermline.
Talk
Neil Aspin: “I have no idea what formation they will play as they tend to change it often. Like us, they don’t have anything to play for so they could also try new players and try anything so we will continue to concentrate on our team.”
Keith Curle: When you look at where we are now, to operate in the upper reaches of the division we needed to turn more of the draws we had into wins. The lads are in the dressing room feeling very disappointed because their focus has been on achieving targets.
Team News
Neil Aspin could make a number of changes to his side after recalling Dior Angus from Tamworth earlier on the week who could feature. Cristian Montano remains out as does Kjell Knops to continues his comeback. Michael Tonge could return after coming off last week.
Keith Curle will be without Nicky Adams and Jason Kennedy who remain long-term absentees. Kelvin Etuhu will need to be checked again to have any chance of featuring.
Coverage
Follow The Vale will be providing full 90 minute commentary from the match, while the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feed will be providing live updates for the entirety.
There will also be build-up to the game with the official Snapchat account: officialpvfc.
Reaction will be available on the official website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and social media.