‘YOU JUST GET SENSE WE ARE A CLUB THAT IS ON THE UP...!’
Second-placed Port Vale will be looking to consolidate their place in the automatic promotion positions when they travel to Crawley this weekend. Looking at issues on and off the pitch is our fans panel of Ian Woodward, from Congleton, Andrew Blakemore, from Denford and Chris Bentley, from Norton Heights..
WHAT’S YOUR PREDICTION? Ian Woodward:
“Given Vale’s impressive record at Crawley and the the fact that the hosts have lost their last three whilst the Vale currently occupy second spot then surely, it has to be a Vale win doesn’t it?
“Football’s neither that simple nor predictable of course which is what adds to its appeal. But I think we’ll just edge it, Crawley Town 1 Port Vale 2.
Andrew Blakemore: “This is another game we have to look to gain all three points in. The in-form team in the division, against the complete opposite. If history tells us anything its usually where it goes against the odds, but I can’t see it. I’m going for 2-0 Vale. I would like to see David Amoo, below, given a go on the right-hand side in place of Devante Rodney.”
Chris Bentley: “Dare I say Crawley is one of our favourite away grounds and we have a great record there. I think that record will continue with a 2-1 win and goals from Politic and Wilson.”
ANY OTHER BUSINESS? Ian Woodward:
“November promises to be an interesting and pivotal month and, with five of our six fixtures at Vale Park, it offers us the potential to prove we can be automatic promotion contenders and progress in two cup competitions.
“The hardest game on paper would appear to be from Accrington Stanley’s visit in next weekend’s first round FA Cup tie and, whilst I’d expect Darrell Clarke to put out his strongest side, it will be interesting to see how we fare against a mid table League One outfit. The visit of a youthful Liverpool side in the EFL Trophy three days later will merely be of passing interest to many Vale fans, myself included, and the attendance will yet again confirm this.
“The four league games will probably be most at the forefront of supporters’ minds. If by December we’re still in the FA Cup and also occupying a place in the top three, this fan will be more than happy.”
Andrew Blakemore: “It’s certainly a good time to be a Vale supporter. Sitting second in the league, creating chances, and scoring goals, whilst sitting top of the form table and one thing that has been really impressive, making Vale Park a fortress again.
“Which makes you think, given the team’s performances and what Darrell Clarke has done so far in charge, that it will surely not go unnoticed by other clubs, who could be on the lookout for a manager to give them something different.
“But let’s look at the positives, which there are several, especially on the pitch, we are looking strong, its enjoyable to come to Vale Park and to watch us again, long may it continue. Up the Vale.”
Chris Bentley: “The sense of pride I felt after leaving the ground after the Colchester win last week was enormous. Not just that we’d climbed to second in the table, but the fact there’s a whole buzz about the club at the minute. “We’re a club on the up I feel - you can just sense it.
“Darrell Clarke is getting the best out of the players and you can see they all seem to be enjoying what they’re doing. They all appear to have bonded really well and it’s obvious they get along.
“I’m hoping we can get the win at Crawley which would set us up nicely for the two cup games before the televised clash against Bradford on November 13. The FA Cup may have been devalued by some clubs, but it’s still special in my view. It will be a tough game against Accrington next Saturday but we have a chance to progress and earn money along the way. A repeat of our cup journey two seasons ago would be nice. Up the Vale!”