Saturday 26th October

[Alfie]

 

[Alfie]

 

[Alfie]

 

[Scum.]

Grimsby away. Win. Pls.

 

[Crewelad87]

Tranmere at home is usually a very happy fixture for us. I'm not sure there is another team with a worst record at our place than Tranmere. Every year it worries me though as surely this horrific run has to end for them at some point.

Things looking good for us at the minute, the only issue is those dreaded injuries. From week to week it's hard to know where we're upto and who is going to be next on the list missing. We were without Demetriou yesterday, most of the calls are that he "should" be fit for Saturday. Bogle and Thomas now seem to be back and have been upping there minutes recently. Other than that were still going to be without Long, Hemmings, Powell and Lankaster.

 

[valefan16]

Another big game on Saturday and a huge occasion as fans celebrate the John Rudge statue and the man himself so hopefully a boosted crowd with all things considered for this one.

The Pre Match stuff for JR should be special and the reception pre kick off should get the place rocking at least.

Hopefully some legends like Ainsworth, Swan, Bright etc will be there like on Monday.

As for the game itself, Vale 10 unbeaten with 8 wins in that period and looking to go into the FA Cup break from the league top of the pile and continuing the momentum.

Another difficult and different test against AFC Wimbledon who seem like they are poor travelers and have scored only once all season but have only conceded 4 so assume are fairly solid in how they try and set up and we will likely have to try and be patient.

Most of our big players we rested last night so should be fresh and expect Stockley to come back in, possibly Triple B, Cover and Chislett.

Whilst a draw wouldn't be the end of the world the chance to go into the break top and potentially create a further buffer from fourth should be incentive enough to put in a performance to try and win the game.

Just hope this isn't a typical Vale side where we flatter to deceive in front a big expectant crowd and let JR down!

 

[FiRTHYY]

Doncaster Rovers (h) -

There’s nothing like a good Yorkshire derby to get your teeth into. Donny, have started the way they finished last season - strong! We look equally as strong at home, having not lost at Valley Parade since the 19th March last season.

Coming off of a solid draw against Cheltenham last night and Donny losing at home, it sets this fixture up nicely.

GK: Sam Walker

CB: Chicke Diabaté
CB: Niall Bryne
CB: Jack Shepherd

RWB: Brad Halliday
LWB: Lewis Richards

CM: Jamie Walker
CM: Ritchie Smallwood
CM: Bobby Pointon

ST: Andy Cook
ST: Oli Sanderson

If Clarke Odour is fit, he might get the nod over Pointon. Equally, I think if Tyreik Wright is fit, he’ll get the nod over Richards - just for his experience.

The only other question mark is Callum Kavanagh - what do we do with him? He desperately needs a goal and I’m convinced he’ll notch a few when he does. Oli Sanderson probably deserves his chance now, after having a spell out through injury.

Success from this fixture lies heavily on keeping Luke Molyneux and Billy Sharp quiet.

Sharp absolutely loves playing against us. He’s literally scored in every single game against us barring the Leeds cup game in 2014, where they lost 2-1 at VP. For context, that’s 7 goals in 6 games - for both Sheff Utd and Scunthorpe. If anyone wants to earn some easy money, bang a tenner on Sharp to score anytime on Saturday.

Donny are bringing some decent numbers, I think they’ve sold 1,500 so far. Could see circa 18.5k there in attendance.

2-1 City

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Both Sharp and Ironside are woefully out of form and they aren’t getting great service, we Definately will let goals in. I’d take a draw now but expect to lose.

 

[JJ1990]

Tranmere at home is usually a very happy fixture for us. I'm not sure there is another team with a worst record at our place than Tranmere. Every year it worries me though as surely this horrific run has to end for them at some point.

Things looking good for us at the minute, the only issue is those dreaded injuries. From week to week it's hard to know where we're upto and who is going to be next on the list missing. We were without Demetriou yesterday, most of the calls are that he "should" be fit for Saturday. Bogle and Thomas now seem to be back and have been upping there minutes recently. Other than that were still going to be without Long, Hemmings, Powell and Lankaster.

It says a lot about the improved depth we've got that we've been without Powell, Bogle and Long most/all of the season, have been without a few others for various stretches and we're still picking up points.

 

[jacobncfc]

We’re not playing well, but win here and we’ve had a good little run and backed up some good results in difficult games.

I’m not sure how much of the general feeling around us at the minute is down to how we were last season and adjusting to a new reality of this is a team that’s built on a very solid defence and strong mentality rather than scoring loads of goals, particularly while we’re missing Jones.

 

[クレイグ]

Donny 3 City 0

 

[SuperHans]

First game of a little run of games where it feels we could build up some momentum.

Hopefully a convincing away performance and win (last nights performance with a bit more luck in front of goal would do).

Not going to this one due to it being a 12.30 kick off and every time I’ve been this season we’ve drawn.

Thompson
Mandeville Williams Araujo Gordon
Naylor Oldaker
Dobra Marakanday Colclough
Grigg

 

[leedsvaliant]

Tranmere at home is usually a very happy fixture for us. I'm not sure there is another team with a worst record at our place than Tranmere. Every year it worries me though as surely this horrific run has to end for them at some point.

Things looking good for us at the minute, the only issue is those dreaded injuries. From week to week it's hard to know where we're upto and who is going to be next on the list missing. We were without Demetriou yesterday, most of the calls are that he "should" be fit for Saturday. Bogle and Thomas now seem to be back and have been upping there minutes recently. Other than that were still going to be without Long, Hemmings, Powell and Lankaster.

I'm surprised at how well you're doing to be honest. Signings looked fairly average on paper mixed with a pretty young squad but after an iffy start you seem to be playing with confidence. As is often the case with young Crewe sides, it's whether you can maintain it for the season. But looking promising at the moment, particularly with players coming back from injury. Next month should be a good game.

Tranmere have looked poor to me when I've seen them. We were still getting to know each other when we played them. They looked pretty solid, but had zero goal threat. Just very little threat up top and ultimately you've got to be able to score goals to be up there.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Another big game on Saturday and a huge occasion as fans celebrate the John Rudge statue and the man himself so hopefully a boosted crowd with all things considered for this one.

The Pre Match stuff for JR should be special and the reception pre kick off should get the place rocking at least.

Hopefully some legends like Ainsworth, Swan, Bright etc will be there like on Monday.

As for the game itself, Vale 10 unbeaten with 8 wins in that period and looking to go into the FA Cup break from the league top of the pile and continuing the momentum.

Another difficult and different test against AFC Wimbledon who seem like they are poor travelers and have scored only once all season but have only conceded 4 so assume are fairly solid in how they try and set up and we will likely have to try and be patient.

Most of our big players we rested last night so should be fresh and expect Stockley to come back in, possibly Triple B, Cover and Chislett.

Whilst a draw wouldn't be the end of the world the chance to go into the break top and potentially create a further buffer from fourth should be incentive enough to put in a performance to try and win the game.

Just hope this isn't a typical Vale side where we flatter to deceive in front a big expectant crowd and let JR down!

As you say, it seems like they are fairly pragmatic away from home and perhaps set up how we did at Notts county and to a lesser extent mk dons.

Seems like they are way more open and expansive at home. However they set up, I think it's going to be our toughest game so far. They clearly have plenty of goals in them and are in a bit of a false position with their postponements.

As is normal for a Vale fan, I keep expecting the defeat to come. We really looked a step above Harrogate last night and looked better than a good Fleetwood team, so confidence should be high.

A little warning though that I thought we got a little complacent and sloppy in the last 10 minutes last night, as though we thought it was easy. No team is going to just roll over.

A win would be huge going into the FA Cup weekend and would likely put us 5 or 6 points above 4th place, which is a good gap to have at this stage.

Looking forward to the occasion. Let's hope we don't cause a let down as usual!

 

[valefan16]

As you say, it seems like they are fairly pragmatic away from home and perhaps set up how we did at Notts county and to a lesser extent mk dons.

Seems like they are way more open and expansive at home. However they set up, I think it's going to be our toughest game so far. They clearly have plenty of goals in them and are in a bit of a false position with their postponements.

As is normal for a Vale fan, I keep expecting the defeat to come. We really looked a step above Harrogate last night and looked better than a good Fleetwood team, so confidence should be high.

A little warning though that I thought we got a little complacent and sloppy in the last 10 minutes last night, as though we thought it was easy. No team is going to just roll over.

A win would be huge going into the FA Cup weekend and would likely put us 5 or 6 points above 4th place, which is a good gap to have at this stage.

Looking forward to the occasion. Let's hope we don't cause a let down as usual!

For me it’s one we must not lose because otherwise it leaves a negative for two weeks amongst the fan base and leaves us under big pressure to bounce back at Gillingham which is a tough place to go regardless of their form.

Draw is ok and keeps the points ticking over but at home ideally we want to be winning. It’s great winning away week in week out but need to be performing at Vale Park in front of our own fans.

As I say tricky test as they all are at this level but keeping momentum going into this break is massive so hopefully we can keep the performance levels high into this weekend and hopefully get another good result.

 

[Optipez]

We've got to be looking to win this. Despite injuries we've enough players to put out a good starting eleven.

 

[ROVERS⚽️]

Doncaster Rovers (h) -

There’s nothing like a good Yorkshire derby to get your teeth into. Donny, have started the way they finished last season - strong! We look equally as strong at home, having not lost at Valley Parade since the 19th March last season.

Coming off of a solid draw against Cheltenham last night and Donny losing at home, it sets this fixture up nicely.

GK: Sam Walker

CB: Chicke Diabaté
CB: Niall Bryne
CB: Jack Shepherd

RWB: Brad Halliday
LWB: Lewis Richards

CM: Jamie Walker
CM: Ritchie Smallwood
CM: Bobby Pointon

ST: Andy Cook
ST: Oli Sanderson

If Clarke Odour is fit, he might get the nod over Pointon. Equally, I think if Tyreik Wright is fit, he’ll get the nod over Richards - just for his experience.

The only other question mark is Callum Kavanagh - what do we do with him? He desperately needs a goal and I’m convinced he’ll notch a few when he does. Oli Sanderson probably deserves his chance now, after having a spell out through injury.

Success from this fixture lies heavily on keeping Luke Molyneux and Billy Sharp quiet.

Sharp absolutely loves playing against us. He’s literally scored in every single game against us barring the Leeds cup game in 2014, where they lost 2-1 at VP. For context, that’s 7 goals in 6 games - for both Sheff Utd and Scunthorpe. If anyone wants to earn some easy money, bang a tenner on Sharp to score anytime on Saturday.

Donny are bringing some decent numbers, I think they’ve sold 1,500 so far. Could see circa 18.5k there in attendance.

2-1 City

We have started strong sat in 4th, but I’m not sure what to expect in this game. Like DVR said Ironside and Sharp are out of form, considering we are a team whom create a lot of opportunities Sharp hasn’t scored since early September and Ironside has 1 league goal all season, a penalty. Our wingers are amongst the most dangerous at this level absolutely but we don’t really know our best team yet, the midfield 3 tweaking a lot and going back and forth between Ironside and Sharp probably hasn’t helped. Sharp is always a nuisance though and I feel just needs a goal but has missed some sitters recently, I think he’d admit that knowing the standards he holds, Ironside for me is the bigger worry DVR.
Will this be Bradfords season Firthy…a club which has spent so much time at this level in the past 15 years but judging by many metrics should be a league or two higher, but we all know football isn’t that simple. Can’t help but feel when Bradford finally do gain that momentum they will be a force!. Cook is always dangerous and the striker to watch in this game I feel, both teams ended strong last season calling it mildly and should be up there this season. Attendance wise Donny sales have slowed this week but we should sell around 1600/1700 end number hopefully so no doubt will be a big crowd.

 

[FiRTHYY]

Will this be Bradfords season Firthy…a club which has spent so much time at this level in the past 15 years but judging by many metrics should be a league or two higher, but we all know football isn’t that simple. Can’t help but feel when Bradford finally do gain that momentum they will be a force!. Cook is always dangerous and the striker to watch in this game I feel, both teams ended strong last season calling it mildly and should be up there this season. Attendance wise Donny sales have slowed this week but we should sell around 1600/1700 end number hopefully so no doubt will be a big crowd.

Your guess is as good as mine mate! Alexander certainly seems to have fans on side - winning half the games he’s managed thus far (25 wins from 51 matches, losing 13). Our home form is solid, something we’ve struggled with for a few years. As I’ve mentioned countless times before, we’ve some real quality yet to return from injury. There’s plenty of positives, but we’re also 2 or 3 losses away from everything falling to pieces again. Anti-Sparks and Rupp brigade appear from underneath the crevices and everything is their fault again [shudder] - noises that loud it inevitably upsets the players - or just gives them an excuse to underperform.

We’d certainly find it easier in L1 than L2. We wouldn’t have the extra pressure of clubs coming to VP, finding extra gears because it’s their big day out. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Or perhaps a referee ruining a game of football because he wants prove to himself he won’t be swayed by a large crowd. Then there’s financial fair play and the additional revenue we’d bring in.

But let’s not get carried away! Tough game this weekend against a side I expect to be right up there.

 

[Limerick Mariner]

We play 3-5-2 we win 1-0 to reinforce our play-off potential, or, DA gets over-excited again and goes 4-2-1-3 then it’s lose 1-4 and 2 down within 20 mins with our WBs trying to play FB getting skinned again.

 

[ROVERS⚽️]

Your guess is as good as mine mate! Alexander certainly seems to have fans on side - winning half the games he’s managed thus far (25 wins from 51 matches, losing 13). Our home form is solid, something we’ve struggled with for a few years. As I’ve mentioned countless times before, we’ve some real quality yet to return from injury. There’s plenty of positives, but we’re also 2 or 3 losses away from everything falling to pieces again. Anti-Sparks and Rupp brigade appear from underneath the crevices and everything is their fault again [shudder] - noises that loud it inevitably upsets the players - or just gives them an excuse to underperform.

We’d certainly find it easier in L1 than L2. We wouldn’t have the extra pressure of clubs coming to VP, finding extra gears because it’s their big day out. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Or perhaps a referee ruining a game of football because he wants prove to himself he won’t be swayed by a large crowd. Then there’s financial fair play and the additional revenue we’d bring in.

But let’s not get carried away! Tough game this weekend against a side I expect to be right up there.

Alexander is a good manager, a 49% win record over a year long period is fantastic, that continues this season you’re up come May!. I think his win percentages were high ( in late 40’s ) at Scunthorpe and Salford over a few years too, I’m sure he was sacked both times while sat in 5th place or something, and he didn’t really have much time at MK dons at all. Outside looking in probably an unlucky manager but he has had success. I must admit I didn’t realise your home form had been so solid. I think the pressure of being the best supported club in the league has some disadvantages at times, I’m sure things can get hostile when expectations aren’t matched as you referenced above^, must be a real advantage when things are going well though.

 

[womble76]

I'd take a point now. However we are not as bad away as form suggests. If we had taken chances we created it would look different. We are very solid at back though and this will be a tight game.

 

[Youpies]

We've got to be looking to win this. Despite injuries we've enough players to put out a good starting eleven.

Very good value available on an away win here.

Head to heads have no draws so far 2 - 3 in the win column

Notts have slipped in the form table, obviously coinciding with an injury to Jodi.

As you say, Notts should absolutely be looking to win this, but Harrogate seem to play well particularly against bigger teams when they are the under dogs. Expecting 11 men behind the ball type stuff with Notts vulnerable on the counter.

With all the injuries, it's very hard to predict who will or can line up. Has Didz got a 3rd game in a week in him?

 

[loz]

But let’s not get carried away! Tough game this weekend against a side I expect to be right up there.

Good post Firthy. A couple of things bother me.
1) I wish the Donny fan hadn't posted that Sharp hadn't scored for a while.
2) Gibson usually performs well against us. He can play, shame he is such an A-hole.

 

[THE LAST WALTZ]

Could not be playing our six fingered friends at a worse time.
Unfortunately I am going so can’t even watch from behind the sofa.

 

[Si Robin]

We're unbeaten in 2 for the first time in forever, travelling to a Carlisle team on a right downer.

1-0 home win then.

 

[FiRTHYY]

Good post Firthy. A couple of things bother me.
1) I wish the Donny fan hadn't posted that Sharp hadn't scored for a while.
2) Gibson usually performs well against us. He can play, shame he is such an A-hole.

Completely forgot about Jordan Gibson, tbh!

They’ll be well up for this one.

 

[valefan16]

Very good value available on an away win here.

Head to heads have no draws so far 2 - 3 in the win column

Notts have slipped in the form table, obviously coinciding with an injury to Jodi.

As you say, Notts should absolutely be looking to win this, but Harrogate seem to play well particularly against bigger teams when they are the under dogs. Expecting 11 men behind the ball type stuff with Notts vulnerable on the counter.

With all the injuries, it's very hard to predict who will or can line up. Has Didz got a 3rd game in a week in him?

They were very solid in how they set up Tuesday and all hands to the pump, probably set up similar to how we did against you (hence we had the same possession stats you did v us) and thought they were decent at what they did.

 

[Kauto Star]

We're unbeaten in 2 for the first time in forever, travelling to a Carlisle team on a right downer.

1-0 home win then.

I thought your lot played very well against us in the first half on Tuesday. Very quick breaking and in our faces with high pressing.

Not sure whether it was because we improved a lot in the second half or whether you took the foot of the pedal, but you were hanging on a bit in the first 25 minutes of that second half, that said you defended very well.

I can see you beating Carlisle.

 

[Agombar stool]

Could not be playing our peg selling friends at a worse time.
Unfortunately I am going so can’t even watch from behind the sofa.

Last game i attended live was Walsall at home which was beyond tragic so I'm travelling more in hope than expectation.

 

[AlanPep]

No six fingered peg selling at Hayes Lane on Saturday, just a damn long trip down from Barrow and hopefully an unhappy long return journey. We really could do with a run of four or five decent results, and on the back of Tuesday’s improvement a follow up home win would be nice