Port Vale v Bristol Rovers preview – the first game of a huge Easter double header for the Valiants
Can Darren Moore’s side build on their win over Burton Albion and give their survival hopes a huge boost? Here’s hoping and here’s our preview…
Pre-match quotes
I’m delighted with the three points. It’s been a long time coming. There’s always been that desire and attitude, despite what’s gone on, and we’ve given ourselves a fighting chance. But we have to continue to fight on…
Port Vale manager Darren Moore
I’ve met Darren Moore before and he’s a top guy. We’ve had a few connections in the past and played against his teams a few times. He’s conducted himself so well which isn’t always an easy thing when you’re involved in football, let alone when you’re a manager, so he’s an inspiration in that regard. He’ll be getting that Port Vale team going and ready, and their confidence levels will be on the rise…
Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor
Preamble
- Opposition: Bristol Rovers
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Vale Park stadium
- Date: 29th March, 3pm
That memorable (and considering his performance, deserved) goal by Ryan Loft at Burton has given the Valiants a huge boost. The departure of David Flitcroft as director of football seems to have quelled a lot of fan discontent, seemingly energising the fans and reinvigorating the players.
Headlines away from the pitch:
- Tom Conlon and Nathan Smith raise £20,000 for charity
- Port Vale FC receives community award during ceremony at House of Commons
Fans panel
So, is the great escape actually on? Was Burton a false dawn, designed to raise our hopes in vain? Bristol Rovers on Friday should answer these questions…
Read the views of our Port Vale fans panel ahead of this game
Team news
Starting XI
Will Darren Moore stick with the same eleven that began at Burton? Well, he may do but he could also be tempted to make one change after Tom Sang’s impressive display after coming on as a substitute. There may also be a place for striker Uche Ikpeazu on the bench.
Injuries
With Ikpeazu recovering it means just Mitch Clark and luckless loanee Dan Gore remain on the sidelines.
The opposition
- League position: 14th
- Form: W-W-L-D-L
- Top-scorer: Chris Martin (15)
- Manager: Matt Taylor
Season so far
Rovers look to be secure in League One for another season but a recent dip in form seems to make any late push for the play-offs unlikely.
Last game
Rovers suffered a 5-0 thrashing to in-form Lincoln City at the weekend.
Team news
The injury-plagued visitors could be boosted by the return of midfield duo Grant Ward and Luke McCormick who are both “in contention” to play some part in the game.
Man in charge
Former Exeter City and Rotherham Utd manager Matt Taylor took over from bête noir Joey Barton in December. Taylor has won nine of his 24 games in charge.
Connections
Current
This will be the first time that Vale striker Ryan Loft will face his former side. It’s fair to say that Loft has endured a difficult time in Burslem which was (hopefully) ended with his first League goal last weekend. There will be no reunion for James Gibbons, however, with the still popular former Valiant currently on loan with Cambridge United.
Recent
Players to appear for both sides in recent seasons include strikers Matty Taylor and Ellis Harrison as well as cultured midfielder Chris Lines.
Vintage
Is it too obvious to go with John Rudge? Nope, we don’t think so. The Vale legend played 79 times for Rovers over a four year spell. He then went on to become Vale’s most beloved and distinguished manager as well as the current club president.
Archive
This video of Port Vale’s play-off victory over Bristol Rovers is taken from the onevalefan YouTube channel.
History
Signage at Vale Park shows Robbie Earle in tears of joy after his winning goal against Bristol Rovers secures promotion
- Port Vale wins: 29
- Draws: 19
- Port Vale losses: 24
Matches
The two sides first met in 1938 when it finished in a 1-0 away victory for the Valiants. In 1989, Vale secured promotion to the second division after a two-legged play-off final win over Rovers with Robbie Earle scoring four times against them that season – in both League clashes and both play-off games. The last fixture ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for Rovers with Vale’s Jesse Debrah sent off for good measure.
Brief History
The club was founded in 1883 as Black Arabs FC and entered the Bristol & District League as Eastville Rovers in 1892. The club changed its name to Bristol Rovers in 1899. They were admitted to the Football League in 1920. They have won the Watney Cup in 1972, and have been Football League Trophy finalists two times.
Opinion and quiz
Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans –
Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz
- Who is the current Bristol Rovers manager?
- What was the score when the teams last met?
- In which year were Bristol Rovers formed?
(answers below – no cheating)
Predict the score
Quiz answers
- Matt Taylor
- Bristol Rovers 3-0 Port Vale
- 1883