Reserves Match Report

Port Vale reserves took on a Derby County side at a wet and windy Vale Park last night.
Vale started the brighter of the two sides and it was midfielder Doug Loft who put his side ahead with a diving header.
The game saw starts for trialist Chamal Fenelon and on-loan Lee Molyneux but it was Louis Dodds who saw most of the ball.
Vale took their lead to 2-0 when Fenelon turned out shot only to be denied, but Sean Rigg was there to fire the ball home, with shouts of offside.
In the second half youngster Anthony Malbon replace Fenelon and Vale carried on their scoring run.
A Rigg mis-kick, although he'll probably claim that he meant it, fell to Simon Richman who fired home.
Derby County, managed by Nigel Clough for the evening, pulled one back through Greg Mills but it was Vale who had the upper hand and a lovely finish by Malbon into the roof of the net made it 4-1 to the Valiants.

Final Score from Vale Park
Port Vale Reserves 4 Derby County Reserves 1

Reserves

Port Vale reserves are at home to Derby County this evening. It could be chance for new loan signing Lee Moleyneux to make his debut in a Vale shirt after he was left out of the squad for the loss to Crewe on Saturday.
Kick off at Vale Park is 7pm.

Exclusive

You always get that warm sense of pride when you see a player from your club in the team of the week, whether it's in a newspaper or on a web-site.
Port Vale fans have experienced that feeling on more than one occassion since the turn of the year.
Defenders Adam Yates, Lee Collins and John McCombe as well as striker Marc Richards have all found themselves in the Football League's League Two team of the week.
We've gone behind the scenes at the Football League to find out how each player makes the grade.
When you pick up a paper following your team's perforamnce on a Saturday or after a mid-week game you won't always agree with the ratings, or won't agree with their inclusion in a team of the week.
At the Football League a Press Assocation representative is sent along to each game in the Football League and it's their job to relay information on the game back to Press Associaton Headquarters on a programme called MatchLive, which is where live commentary sites such as BBC Sport take their information on and can provide supporters with kick by kick coverage.
They take note on the amount of throw ins, corners and shots for each side and alos provide ratings for players. These are then fed into a database and that's how each player finds himself in the teams of the week or not as the case maybe.
It may look easy when you see the team, but it's a lot harder than you think.
But for the players involved, well worth it.

Crewe

Port Vale's play-off hopes took a bit of a dent in the local derby between local rivals Crewe.
Both teams started the game rather evenly and a 0-0 draw would have been a fair results. But it was a controversial decison that changed the game.
Vale defender Gareth Owen won the ball cleanly from Clayton Donaldson, and one of the worst refereeing performances you will see in League Two this season. Donaldson stepped up for the resulting spot kick, firing past goalkeeper Chris Martin, who was back between the sticks after Anyon's mistake at Cheltenham last week.
Vale's heads dropped after the decison and frustration set in as balls pinged around everywhere.
Both temas have shared the spoils this season, with Vale winning 2-1 at Gresty Road back in October.
With both sides set to remain in League Two for another season it looks the two will meet for a re-match next year.

Final Score from Vale Park

Port Vale 0 Crewe Alexandra 1

New Loan Signing

It may be four out at Vale Park but boss Micky Adams has also managed to bring in a new face in the form of Southampton star Lee Molenyeux.
The 21 year-old is on-loan until the end of the season after falling out of plans at Saint Mary's afgter he joined in January 2009.
For what Lee had to say about his move to Vale Park Click here

Daniel Lloyd Weston

It's all go through the doors at Vale Park as the club have relased another youngster today in the form of goalkeeper Daniel Lloyd Weston.
The youngster impressed early on in the season and took part in a three day trai with Manchester United.

Football League Charity Run

The Football League are doing their bit for the chosen charity by a military style race.
The race takes place this Saturday, 27th March, on a muddy 4x4 course.
The nine man team, consisiting of staff from the Football League are just a few quid short of reaching their £1,000 target.

You can donate to the cause by Clicking Here

Please give generously

Port Vale have told three of it's players that their contracts won't be renewed at the end of the seaons and they are free to go out on loan.
Luke Prosser, Ross Davidson and Danny Glover won'be plying their trade at Port Vale next season. All three youngsters have come through the ranks at Vale Park and were involved in last night's win over Kidsgrove Athletic in the Staffs Senior Cup.
Prosser is set to join Kiddiminster on loan while Davidson and Glover will join Stafford Rangers.

Vale sign up Under 14 duo.

Port Vale are keen to sign up potential stars of the future and have just done that by signing a schoolboy duo following a game recently.

For more info Click Here

McCombe makes team of the week

Port Vale defender John McCombe has made the Football League's League Two team of the week for his header that gave Vale a point away at Cheltenham over the weekend.

Well Done Boom!!!!

To view the full team Please click here

Cheltenham

Port Vale's play-off push took a bit of a dent at Whaddon Road as they only managed to pick up a point on the road.
Defender John McCombe gave the Valiants the lead with a well timed header. But it was a mistake from Joe Anyon that allowed Elito to equalise for Mark Yate's side just before half time.
The notable chance of the first half falling to Craig Davies, who hit the bar and then the post before blasting the third attempt high and wide.
Both sides shared the attempts on goal with Cheltenham provided the late surge but with little outcome.

Final Score from Whaddon Road
Cheltenham Town 1 - Port Vale 1

Cheltenham

Port Vale travel to Cheltenham Town tomorrow in search of three points to help with their late bid for the play-offs.
Both sides were amongst the goals in League Two last weekend, Vale netted five away at Chesterfield, while Cheltenham came from behind to win 6-5 away at Burton Albion.
Striker Marc Richards will make a return to the club that once poached his signature and news this week that fellow League Two side Bradford have expressed an interest.
Josh Low will be out for the Robins at the weekend, while David Bird could be back in contention.
Vale have no injury worries to report this week and have a clean bill of health.
Richards will be keen to add to his tally, as will Rob Taylor who scored a spetacular goal last week.
So will it be a game of goals this weekend, or will it be a 0-0 draw.

A you're adorable, B you're so beautiful

That's certainly the case for Port Vale assistant manager Geoff Horsefield who has opened up his own beauty salon in a bid to try and make the footballing world a more easy on the eye place.
For more on Geoff's new venture Click here

Enjoy the Match

Sky Sports News girls Georgie Thompson and Natalie Sawyer have given their backing to the campaign to make football an enjoyable for families without the use of bad language.

All 72 Football League Clubs have this season pledged to designate an area so that families can enjoy attending games free from bad language and unruly behaviour.
In a statement Football League Director of External Affairs Gavin Megaw said: “We really appreciate Sky’s Georgie and Natalie supporting the Enjoy the Match campaign.
“Live Football League matches provide a great opportunity for families to watch football in a friendly atmosphere.
“Families across the country are flocking to support their team and experience the thrill of live football in the designated ‘Enjoy the Match’ stands.”

So far over 10,00 fans have put their backing behind the campagin and the Sky girls join Alan Shearer and Kasbian as just some of the faces who also support the issue.

If you want to view the rest of the celebrity videos then please visit

Team of the Week

It maybe no surprise that Vale striker Marc Richards has made the Football League's team of the week following his hat-trick in the Valiants 5-0 win away at Chesterfield at the weekend.
To view the rest of the team Click here

Former Vale star found

Former Vale star Paul Edwards today made his debut for AFC Barrow. The midfielder fell off the footballing radar after he left the club at the end of last season.

He will be most remembered for his interview in the local newspaper saying he could become a Championship player.

For more on Edwards click here

Chesterfield

Port Vale hadn't won at Chesterfield for 21 years but they more than made up for it with a 5-0 win at Saltergate.
A Marc Richards hat trick was the highlight of the day but it was Rob Taylor who opened the scoring with a sweetly struck shot from 18 yards.
Richards marked his first of the afternoon with a cheeky chip over Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee to put the Valiants 2-0 up at the break.
After the re-start Richards scored his second, his initial shot hit the crossbar but bounced into the net to give Micky Adam's side a comfortable lead.
Richards earned himself the match ball when he headed home a Lee Collins cross. That was Richards last action of the day as he made way for Louis Dodds.
However, minutes later Vale fans were probably hoping that Richard was still on the field. Forward Craig Davies was clean through on goal until he was brought down by defender Alan Goodall, who received his marching orders for the challenge taking John Sheridan's side down to ten men.
Vale fans need not of worried as Davies converted the resulting penalty to make it
5-0.
The win takes the Vale to 9th in League Two, three points off the last remaing play off place.
Do fans dare to dream?

Final Score from Saltergate
Chesterfield 0 Port Vale 5.

Praise for Kris Taylor

Port Vale defender Kris Taylor has earned praise from a fellow League Two player. Ben Davies, who is currently plying his trade at Notts County has ranked Vale number 26 as one of the best he has come up against this season.

Taylor has come under criticism from the fans and has seen himself in and out of the Vale starting line up in recent weeks, but comes highly regarded amongst the professionals.

Read the full article Here

Lee Collins in possible move

Port Vale defender Lee Collins has been linked to a possible move from Vale Park. The Gurdian newspaper believe that Watford could make a bid of 200k for the Vale star.

Chesterfield

Port Vale travel to Chesterfield this weekend, in their last trip to Saltergate. The Spireites will move to a new developement next season, however as they currently occupy a play-off spot they could well be on the up.
The Valiants will be looking to expand on their win at home to Bradford on Tuesday evening and put a run of form back together.
Vale haven't beaten Chesterfield at Saltergate since April 1989 and will be looking to do something about it this weekend. If Vale win and remaining results go their way Micky Adams and his side could find themselves within touching distance of the play-offs come five o'clock.
Midfielder Paul Harsley is the former Valiant in the Chesterfield squad, only Marc Richards and Joe Anyon will remember playing alongside him at Vale Park.
The last time these two sides met was the beginning of February back in Burslem. Chesterfield came out winners with two first half goals from Aaron Downes and Dominic Green and they will be looking to reproduce that fine form again.
Craig Davies found Vale's equaliser that evening and with a few games without a goal he will want to be back amongst them again.
Fellow strike partner Marc Richards broke his little barren spell scoring the first on Tuesday evening and he will be hoping to add to his tally as the season enters it's final run in.
Chesterfield have a number of familiar names in their side from Derek Niven to Jack Lester as well as Wade Small, so the Vale will know exactly what to expect. What they do about it will remain to be seen.

Former Vale star nets for Galaxy

Former Vale midfielder netted LA Galaxy's only goal in a 1-0 over Puntanenas FC in a pre-season friendly overnight.
The Stafford born forward has taken over from David Beckham as he was away with AC Milan last nigth at Old Trafford.
He made 78 appearances for the Valiants netting seven goals having come through the ranks as a youngster at Vale Park.
He left Burslem for Coventry in July 2006, the Sky Blues were then managed by current Vale boss Micky Adams and before Christmas Birchall spent time training back at Vale Park ahead of his MLS return.

Reserves

Port Vale reserves took on Shrewsbury this afternoon in a 2pm kick off. It ended in stalemate with a 0-0 draw, but the clash was somewhat of a heated affair. Vale youngster Matt Bell, who has featured in the first team squad recently, was sent off for kicking out at Jake Robinson in the first half.
Robinson then received his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident in the second half.

Final score at the Prostar Stadium
Shrewsbury Town Reserves 0 Port Vale Reserves 0

Micky Adams Re-Visited

For anybody who missed the Micky Adams interview on Late Kick Off on Monday night. You can catch it again Here

Bradford

Port Vale earned a valuable three points on home soil with a 2-1 win over Bradford at Vale Park.
Normal service look to be resumed when on-loan Liverpool defender Robbie Threlfall scored after 11 minutes.
The Valiants had ample chances to level the scoring in the first half and striker Marc Richards squandered to chances in front of goal.
A defensive re-shuffle at half time saw Kris Taylor come on to replace Adam Yates and within five minutes of the re-start Richards was rewarded for his early efforts and equlaised for the Valiants.
It was then left to Rob Taylor to seal victory when his shot took a deflection to give Vale the winner.
Bradford offered little in reply allowing Adams men to take all three points. Vale are now up to 11th in League Two, a win at Chesterfield on Saturday and results going their way could well see them back in touching distance of the play-offs if they could hit a run of form when others seems to be slipping away.

Final Score from Vale Park
Port Vale 2 Bradford City 1

Bradford

Port Vale take on Bradford at home tonight in a must win game for the Valiants. They will be in search of three points following Saturday's disappointing defeat at hoome to Northampton.
Bradford sit 16th in League Two. Three points and three places below the Valiants in 13th, but they will be hoping it won't prove unlucky this evening.
In the League, the last time these two sides met was in August and it ended in stalemate between the two with a 0-0 draw.
Vale travelled back up to Valley Parade in November for a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie only to bow out on penalties, followed by a supporters who took advantage of the free coaches put on by shirt sponsors Harlequin.
Peter Taylor will be without major threats Chris Brandon and Peter Thorne who both currently find themselves in the reserves, which will be disappointing for Vale fans who won't be able to take out any frustrations on former Stoke star Thorne.
Bradford have won eight on the road so far this season with their latest victory coming at the Don Valley Stadium with a 2-1 win over Rotherham on Saturday.
Micky Adams may well make a few changes following Saturday's defeat. Whether goalkeeper Joe Anyon keeps his place will remain to be seen following his mistake at the weekend and Chris Martin will be chomping at the bit to get his shirt back.
Doug Loft will be hoping he has done enough to keep his place following two goals in two games for the former Brighton star.
Adam Yates looks set to keep his place and remains the one steady character after Vale's inconsistent form.

So Vale will be hoping they can give the home crowd something to cheer about once again.

Micky Adams

Port Vale boss Micky Adams is the featured manager on tonight's shows as he talks about life in charge of a League Two side.

Tune in to Late Kick Off on BBC One at 11:35pm

And if you haven't already you can join the Late Kick Off Facebook Group Here

Northampton

Port Vale went down to another home defeat at the hands of Northampton Town.
The Cobblers took an early lead through main threat Adebayo Akinfenwa. The Valiants replied minutes later courtesy of Doug Loft who has made it two goals in two games for his own personal tally.
But it was a moment of madness from Vale keeper Joe Anyon that turned the game around. He dropped what looked like a routine catch allowing Abdul Osman to capitilise and in first half injury time Billy McKay struck to make it 3-1 at the break.
Adams reshuffled the pack at half time with a triple substitution. Kris Taylor, Louis Dodds and Lewis Haldane made way for John McCombe, Tommy Fraser and Craig Davies but still Vale could not find that winning formula.
They had two shots cleared off the line midway through the second half while Craig Davies came closest to scoring, the ball was in the net only to ruled out for a handball from the on-loan Brighton forward.

Final Score from Vale Park:
Port Vale 1 Northampton Town 3

Help for Heroes

This Saturday will kick off the week long campaign supporting The Football League Charity of the 2009/10 season, Help for Heroes.
All 72 League Clubs will take part in events which will involve highly publicising the great cause.
Port Vale's support to the charity will come this weekend with their game at home to Northampton Town.
The two teams will emerge, behind a Help for Heroes banner and pose for photos ahead of kick off, both managers will be wearing Help for Heroes wrist-bands and the home team will sign a ball which will then be auctioned off for the charity.

Football League bucket collections will be around the ground also so dig deep and give generously.

Defender Signs for Burton

Port Vale have missed out on defender Shaun Kelly after he signed for Burton this morning.
The 21 year-old from Chester City was on trial at Vale Park this week and scored in the reserve game but travelled to Burton early this morning to put pen to paper on a deal at The Pirelli Stadium.

Northampton

Port Vale take on Norhampton Town at home tomorrow in search of three points on home soil.
The Valiants will be lifted following their 3-1 win at Darlington on Tuesday night and will be hoping to stop Northampton's impressive run of form of late.
The Cobblers have won five of their last six outings away from home and it would be the perfect time for Vale to kick-start a play-off challenge.
The two sides last met in December of this season and the fixture ended in stalemate. It was an action packed game with three penalties. Cobblers striker Akinfenwa missed his first but scored his second after Marc Richards put Vale ahead from the spot. The game also saw defender John McCombe sent off.
He will be hoping he doesn't suffer the same fate this weekend, however Adams may choose to drop the towering centre half as the pair seemed to have a difference of opinion at Darlington.
Vale will have captain Tommy Fraser back in contention, but he may not find himself going straight back into the midfield. His fellow summer signing Doug Loft changed the game when he was brought on after half time up at Darlington and marked his appearance with a goal.
Louis Dodds and Lewis Haldane both found themselves on the score sheet and they will be hoping they can add to their respective tallies, while this may a chance for Marc Richards to also net one against his former club.
Vale fans should recognise a familiar face in the Northampton squad. Striker Gary Mulligan was on-loan at Vale Park under Martin Foyle's reign.
So Adams will be hoping for a strong performance on home soil and not one that turns into a load of cobblers.

Reserves

Trialist Shaun Kelly was the stand out player as Port Vale reserves beat Burton 2-1 at Vale Park.
The defender, who is on trial at Vale Park netted Vale's equaliser after Burton had taken the through James Knowles neat finish over keeper Chris Martin.
Vale suffered an early casualty when youngster Matt Bell, who warmed the first team bench last week had to withdraw from the game injured.
Both sides had chances to put their side ahead but the game remained stalemate at half time.
Midfielder Tommy Fraser was substituted at half time, which suggests that he could well be back in the first team squad for Saturday's visit of Northampton having missed two games through suspension.
Burton's Jimmy Philips was sent for an early bath after a crunching tackle on Sam Morsy.
Vale looked to have the upper hand and Shaun Kelly's header in the second half showed he had the determination and strength to win the ball and will stand him in good stead for a glowing reference for Micky Adams.
But it was Vale who clinched the winner in the closing stages of the game. Sam Morsy's shot was followed up by Anthony Malbon who turned the ball into the net to give the Valiants the win.

James Lawrie

Port Vale's young striker scored his second goal for Northern Ireland U21 as they beat San Marino 3-0.
The 19 year-old, who is currently on loan at Kidderminster Harriers netted on his
8th international appearance sparking talk of whether he should return to Vale Park.

Darlington

Port Vale marked a return to their superb away form with a 3-1 win over bottom of the table side Darlington.
The Quakers took the lead in the opening five minutes thanks to a goal from top scorer Tadgh Purcell.
The Valiants looked dead and buried by half time but it was a series of half time substitutions from Micky Adams that changed Vale's fortunes. Sean Rigg replaced Craig Davies, who missed a clean cut chance in the first half while Adam Yates, who was dropped from the starting line up replaced John McCombe.
Doug Loft then replaced Rob Taylor and made his impression in minutes as he fired home. Louis Dodds made it 2-1 before Lewis Haldane finished it off with a third for the Valiants.
Purcell had a late chance for the home side only to see his shot cleared off the line by Yates.
Vale face Northampton at home on Saturday and will go into that game wtith some much needed confidence under the belts.

Quotes of the Week

Port Vale have made it into this week's BBC quotes of the week following last week's 4-0 win over Lincoln at Vale Park.
"You're supposed to be a gnome" was aimed at the vertically challenged referee who took charge of the game.
Click here to view more of the funnies overheard over the last seven days

Darlington

Port Vale make the long trip north to Darlington this evening in the hope of picking up some points on the road.
Their away form has taken a dip in form of late following Saturday's defeat at Morecambe and Adams will be looking for a response from his side after remarking they are too soft at times.
Vale will be re-united with former winger Jeff Smith although the Vale side he will remember has since been dismantled since his last meeting with his former club.
The last time these two sides met was at Vale Park in the summer where the Valiants ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a opener from striker Marc Richards. Darlington nearly went on to nick a point, until Gary Smith missed a penalty in the closing stages of the game.
Darlington prop up The Football League with just 15 points and have only won three league games at home this season so hopefully Vale can pile the pressure on.
Adams will be without Vale captain Tommy Fraser who serves the last of a two match suspension for picking up 10 bookings this season.
It will remain to be seen whether goalkeeper Joe Anyon will keep his place following defeat on Saturday.

New Trialist

Port Vale have taken on trialist Sean Kelly from Galway United.
The youngster could see his first game for the Valiants on Wednesday when the play at home in a reserve team fixture against Burton

For more on Sean Click Here