VALE’S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Clarke’s Valiants look to join illustrious company with Papa John’s Trophy victory over Liverpool
PORT Vale have the chance to record their best home run for nearly 30 years when they take on Liverpool under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy tonight (7pm).
Darrell Clarke’s side have won their last six home games on the spin, the first time that has been achieved since the start of the 2016/17 season under Bruno Ribeiro.
The Vale actually went on to get relegated that season, but will be in much greater company if they make it seven in a row.
The last time a Vale side achieved that was under John Rudge in January and February 1993, a campaign in which they amassed 89 points in what is now League One before losing out in the playoff final to West Brom at Wembley.
Clarke is determined to avoid talk of promotion at this early stage of the season, but his side have climbed to second in League Two on a run of nine wins from 11 games, home and away, the latest of which was Saturday’s 5-1 victory at home to League One Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup first round.
But the manager has been happy to praise his squad, in particular those players who have been patient for a chance and then seized it when given game-time in the first team.
Clarke will make changes for the Trophy with one eye on Saturday’s League Two home game against Bradford City. He could give starts to Aaron Martin, Brad Walker, Jake Taylor, Ben Garrity and George Lloyd after all five came off the bench against Accrington.
Leon Legge could also feature after the experienced centre-half was an unused substitute on Saturday, the first time he has been in a matchday squad since suffering a knee injury in the 1-1 draw at Stevenage on August 21.
Vale need a point to progress from a group that has already been won by Bolton Wanderers who have won all three of their games.
James Wilson didn’t feature in the defeat at Bolton Wanderers or the win at home to Rochdale in Vale’s previous group games, but is enjoying being a regular starter in the league.
His hat-trick on Saturday took him to six goals from 17 appearances since his summer move from Salford and the 25-yearold striker says he is benefitting from regular games.
He said: “It is sharpness and fitness and also the confidence that comes from the gaffer having confidence in me and the team around me. I just want to push forward now and hopefully that is a big springboard for what we can do in the next few weeks.
“Everyone plays their part, including the subs and the staff. We are really in a good place at the minute with the wins and the performances.”
As for his own form, he said: “A big thing is games and belief. I have played a few games and maybe one or two that weren’t great, but have kept being selected.
“Fitness comes with games, so the more I can play, the more I can hopefully get match fit.”