The Valiants return to Sky Bet League One action on Saturday as we make the trip to Devon to face Exeter City.

Vale will be looking to bounce back from our last league outing when we were narrowly beaten by Derby County. Tyreece John-Jules scored the only goal of the game in the 77th minute to earn the Rams all three points at Vale Park.

Crosby’s comments:

When looking ahead to Saturday’s fixture, Andy Crosby said:

“What I would ask of the crowd is to stick by the players, stick with the group and support us. Any supporter who is travelling that distance to support us we’re more than grateful for.

"I hope they have a safe trip down there and a safe trip back and they can hopefully see us go there and produce a positive performance and come back home with three points” 

The Opposition

Exeter currently sit in 20th spot in League One, one place below the Vale. They are currently on an 11-game winless streak in the league after picking up their last league win against Cheltenham Town on Saturday 16th September. The Grecians haven’t played a game since Tuesday 28th November when they drew 0-0 with Shrewsbury Town at St James Park.

They are managed by former defender Gary Caldwell who arrived at the club in October 2022. Caldwell guided the Grecians to a comfortable finish last year as they finished in 14th place in League One in their first season back in League One since getting promoted.

Player to watch - Ryan Trevitt

Trevitt has been a shining light for Exeter City so far this season. The on-loan Brentford midfielder has found the net five times and has impressed with his all-round performances. Two of his three goals came in his side's 3-2 EFL Cup defeat against Middlesbrough.

Another player to keep an eye out for is Zak Jules. He had a brief spell at Vale Park between January and June 2018. However, he struggled for game time and only made two starts for the Valiants.

Fixture Throwback

Exeter City 0-1 Port Vale, Saturday May 7th 2022.

The sides met on the final day of the 2021/22 season in what a massive fixture for both sides. Vale had to win to ensure a League Two Play Offs spot and Exeter had to better Forest Green Rovers result in order to win Sky Bet League Two.

On a baking hot Saturday afternoon in Devon, Exeter started the better of the sides and almost took the lead early on. Jake Caprice’s cross from the left was flicked towards goal by Matt Jay but Aidan Stone reacted quickly and managed to claw it away to safety.

In the 36th minute, Vale took the lead. Connor Hall’s cross fell kindly to Jamie Proctor who headed it into the path of James Wilson who rounded off the move with a good finish to spark jubilant scenes in the sold out away end.

Despite a late barrage from the hosts, Vale managed to hang on and earn a Play Offs spot in League Two which ultimately led to the Vale's promotion back to League One.