FA Cup action returns to The Lamex Stadium this Saturday as Port Vale come to town for a second-round clash…
Stevenage are enjoying a flying start to life in League One as they sit fourth in the table after winning ten of their first twenty league games. Earlier in the week, Boro were faced with tough opposition as Peterborough held them to a 2-2 draw at The Lamex.
But now, attention briefly turns to The FA Cup, with a chance to enter the exciting third-round draw up for grabs. In the first round, Stevenage welcomed Tranmere Rovers, and the game did not disappoint in terms of goals. Jordan Roberts, Kane Hemmings and Jamie Reid (x2) contributed towards a 4-3 victory, with Reid grabbing the 100th minute winner.
The Opposition
Port Vale had a solid start to their League One campaign but have since struggled for form as they find themselves 19th in the table. The Valiants have failed to win in their last 11 league games, with their most recent league victory coming all the way back in September.
Andy Crosby’s side managed to move up a gear in the first round of the FA Cup though after a 0-0 draw with Burton Albion sent them into a replay. Port Vale earned a 2-0 victory away from home to advance, with Gavin Massey and Lewis Cass grabbing the goals.
The manager, Andy Crosby was appointed first-team Manager in the summer, after spending time as part of the coaching staff at Port Vale and even the caretaker manager. He previously spent time under Nigel Adkins at Scunthorpe United, Southampton, Reading, Sheffield United and Hull City as a coach.
Head-to-Head
Boro and the Valiants have met on 18 occasions in the past, with Stevenage winning five, Port Vale winning four and the two sides drawing nine of them.
The sides have met three times in The FA Cup, with the first encounter coming in the 2009/10 campaign as a 1-1 draw was played out at Vale Park. In the replay, is tomorrow’s opponents who came out on top.
The next FA Cup meeting between the sides came in the 2016/17 season, with Port Vale earning a 1-0 home victory. Boro have already welcomed Port Vale to The Lamex Stadium this season, as a goalless draw meant both sides picked up a hard-earned point.
Officials
Tom Reeves has been appointed Match Referee for Saturday’s tie, with Stuart Butler and Adrian Tranter as Assistants, and Oliver Mackey as Fourth Official. Reeves has dished out 51 yellow cards and one red in 17 games this season.
---
Secure your tickets online at borotickets.co.uk.