Stevenage make the 284-mile round trip to Burslem this Saturday for a Sky Bet League One clash with Port Vale…
The games are coming thick and fast for Stevenage in the third tier as the side prepare for their third league game in the space of a week. Last Saturday, Boro pulled off a superb 1-0 victory over Blackpool at The Lamex Stadium, with Jake Forster-Caskey grabbing the game’s only goal.
On Tuesday, Stevenage fell to an unfortunate defeat in wet conditions against Reading, so Steve Evans and his playing staff will be looking for an immediate reaction against Port Vale.
Boro are no strangers to the Valiants this season, with the two clubs having met on three occasions already. The reverse fixture in the league ended in a 0-0 draw, and then the sides played out a 1-1 draw in the second round of the FA Cup.
The replay at Vale Park led to a thrilling affair, as a late equaliser for Stevenage on the 96thminute, followed by an equaliser late into extra time took the game to a penalty shootout, in which Boro came out on top.
The Opposition
Port Vale recently sacked their Manager, Andy Crosby, after picking up just one win in eight games, and are now on the hunt for a new boss to steer the club clear from the drop zone.
The Valiants sit 21st in League One and are just a point inside the relegation zone, having played two less games than Reading who sit directly above. They have lost four of their last five games in the league and have failed to score a goal in their last three.
In midweek, Port Vale hosted Leyton Orient at Vale Park, but were pushed aside in a 1-0 defeat. Similarly, last Saturday, The Valiants travelled to Fleetwood Town and suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss.
Ben Garrity is the Valiants’ top scorer this season, with twelve to his name in all competitions, despite being an attacking midfielder by trade. However, Garrity is currently on the sidelines with a long-term injury.
The Stadium
Boro will be travelling to Vale Park for the second time this season, after the 3-3 draw in the FA Cup back in December. Vale Park has been the home of Port Vale since the ground opened in 1950, and has a capacity of 15,695. Away supporters are typically housed in The Bycars End.
Officials
Scott Tallis has been appointed Match Referee for this one, with Matthew Sowerby and Grant Taylor as his Assistants, and Christopher Husband as Fourth Official. Tallis has dished out 91 yellow cards and two reds in 23 games this season, and his most recent Stevenage game was the 3-1 victory over Derby County.
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