Port Vale v Luton Town

[Judge Dredd]

Pretty much all of the batterings we've doled out this season have turned into routs in the last 10-20 minutes. Teams give up and we ruthlessly put them to the sword when they do.

Expecting a tough one today, Vale's form over the last 10 or 12 games is top 3 basically, 2 points per game ish so the league table is deceptive. Looking forward to it though, another good test, another "proper" ground, used to be one of my favourite away days but obviously it's the first time for a wee while. Got a pounding hangover so not much looking forward to the journey mind.

 

[Judge Dredd]

Some surprises on the team sheet today, we'e rotated heavily. Berry and Collins benched. Less confident than I was before seeing that it has to be said!

 

[valefan16]

Some surprises on the team sheet today, we'e rotated heavily. Berry and Collins benched. Less confident than I was before seeing that it has to be said!

We are still without Worrall who is arguably our best player (on bench though) and Anderson is on the bench too so not ideal for us really in a game like this.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Not entirely surprised we have rotated as much as we have, NJ made some pretty strong comments about how many games were being played in this period, so I thought he might. I guess with the amount of running Berry gets through in a game he was always the likely the one to get a rest in preparation for Monday you would assume.

Like the idea of bringing Cornick in, not too sure about D'Ath getting his first start of the season though! Big game for Pelly also.

Having seen the team I think id take the draw, but interesting to see how some D'ath and Pelly in particular do.

 

[BelizeHatter]

That's the biggest rotation in the League this season. Pelly and D'Ath have virtually no game time this season. Be interesting. Looks like a 433

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Yeah I dont mind Pelly coming in particularly, as he did start out the year but im wondering whether D'ath might be a change too much, especially as he has essentially not played since the end of last season, hes a decent player from what ive seen of him but he hasnt really been eased back in at all so he is coming in cold to an extent. We'll see I guess!

 

[Bosox]

Sounds like the pitch is an absolute shocker, should be a bit of a leveller and might be part of the reason why the likes of Shinnie and Berry have been rested.

 

[TylerB]

Sounds like the pitch is an absolute shocker, should be a bit of a leveller and might be part of the reason why the likes of Shinnie and Berry have been rested.

Christ. You Luton fans on here are so cringe-worthy.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Goal down then, sounds like an OG from how it was described on commentary but not sure who got the touch.

First time we have been behind for a very long time id suggest so see what we are made of, tend to be better front runners so an unusual position for us.

 

[valefan16]

Whitfield forces an OG! Sweet for him after his OG at Luton I guess. Don’t tease us Vale!

 

[Buxton Vale]

Potts own goal

 

[BelizeHatter]

Looking in trouble at the moment. Can't handle Pope and the runners off him causing problems. Can't keep ball and pitch really bobbly so dribbles falling apart. Big test of character.

 

[TylerB]

All over Luton this half but need a second while we're on top as they obviously have the quality to score a goal and get right back in the game.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Seems like the first game we are really missing Cuthbert, Pope seems to be winning everything. The changes in the midfield also dont seem to be working and sounds like we are over run there. Shows how important Berry is for me. Just need to get ourselves to HT at 1-0 and then see what we can do second half, the bench is very strong and we have the firepower to nick something.

 

[Bosox]

Lucky to get in to HT at only 1-0. Tend to be much better in the 2nd half away from home but it'll need a big turn around today.

 

[Buxton Vale]

HT 1-0 up and Luton haven't had a shot. Surely that wont be the same at FT?

 

[Judge Dredd]

We were shocking that half. Pelly bad, D'Ath completely anonymous. JJ having a poor game and the centre backs being bullied by Pope who is a real handful (although ably assisted by a ref who seemingly is incapable of spotting the blatant shoving he's getting up to). Stech's distribution has been horrific too which has invited pressure.

Need to change the midfield at half time. Berry on for either of the two.

 

[kieran_vale]

Excellent effort from Vale there, can't ask for any more (apart from a second goal). We are winning every 50-50 ball at the moment.

Going to be a massive 15 minutes or so after the break as they will make changes and come out swinging. Got to ride that out and see where the chips land. Either way nice to see us give a good side a real gut check today.

 

[valefan16]

May pay for not going for the kill when we’ve had them on the ropes. Could be 3 or 4-0 and will be tough to keep this level up... but we’ve got it in us as we showed at Yeovil with 9 men.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Berry and Collins on for D'ath and Lee. Still think starting D'ath was an odd one, barely been involved all season, through injury admittedly, and then suddenly starts.

Sounding a bit better.

 

[kieran_vale]

POPE get in!!! That's the cushion we needed.

 

[valefan16]

Pope notches his 100th goal and 50th at VP!

 

[TylerB]

Well deserved. Still not over as Luton clearly have a lot of good players for this level. But again, had we had Aspin in charge at the beginning of the season we'd be top 6 easily. We're a good team clearly on the up.

 

[Buxton Vale]

2-0 Pope, pinch me somebody

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

2-0 down and youd think that would be it. Not too concerned, selection was a bit odd in my view but understand why its been done. This little run was going to come to an end at some point, as has been pointed out, we arent Man City!

Good that there is a game so soon afterwards.

 

[BelizeHatter]

When we win, we win. When we lose........

 

[BelizeHatter]

Great display by Vale tbf

 

[valefan16]

3!!!! Ben Whitfield... please don’t be a parting gift!

 

[kieran_vale]

3-0 now. An absolutely stunning effort from Vale today. Luton obviously made changes to the lineup but even so against the league leaders this is really impressive.

 

[BelizeHatter]

Seems we can't live with the relegated sides. Doesn't bode well - IF we hold it together