NOGAN: WE CAN SHOCK BLACK CATS
Port Vale pumped up for Cup clash
PORT Vale will cash in from their FA Cup tie against Sunderland this afternoon – but insist they can also topple the Black Cats.
The League Two outfit will pocket £75,000 as a live broadcast fee – the game is being televised by BT Sport at 2.30pm – and will also pick up their share of hefty gate receipts from the Vale Park showdown. However, Neil Aspin and troops will also want to pick up the £36,000 prize money on offer to first round winners.
After successive relegations, Sunderland are back on track this season – Jack Ross’ troops lie second in League One and look a good bet to regain Championship status this term.
It means Vale go into the tie as big underdogs, but they have been buoyed by a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Assistant manager Lee Nogan said: “It’s a cup-tie and I’ve played in plenty as underdog, winning a few and losing some as well, but you can be a little more relaxed as you’re not expected to win.
Relaxed
“However, we expect to give them a good game and if everyone plays to their best on the day, we’ve got a chance of winning.”
It’s another busy afterhis noon of Cup football with eight matches kicking off at 12.45pm. Only one of those is an all-EFL tie – League Two Mansfield will seek to get the better of League One Charlton.
There are five games which see EFL sides take on Non-League opposition. Doncaster go to Chorley, Fleetwood visit Alfreton, Bristol Rovers head to Barnet, Shrewsbury entertain Salford and Cambridge United go to Guiseley.
There are two all NonLeague ties – Hitchin entertain Solihull Moors and Weston-super-Mare host Wrexham.
The first round progamme comes to a conclusion with an intriguing clash tomorrow (7.45pm).
National League South outfit Hampton & Richmond Borough play host to League Two Oldham. The tie is live on BT Sport, meaning both clubs will bag a £75,000 broadcast fee.