Vale line-up at the Lamex Stadium
Vale make six changes for the game against Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium. Jack Grimmer returned to Fulham earlier in the week and Carl Dickinson was serving a one-match suspension.
Also out was Ben Williams, with an injury, whilst Adam Yates, Anthony Griffith and Jennison Myrie-Williams all had to settle for a place on the bench.
Richard Duffy switched to right back and the manager went with Joe Davis and Chris Robertson in the heart of the defence, with Daniel Jones at left back.
Chris Birchall came into misfield, where he was joined by Chris Lines, back from suspension, and up front Gavin Tomlin partnered Tom Pope.
PORT VALE: Sam Johnson, Richard Duffy, Joe Davis, Chris Robertson, Daniel Jones, Chris Birchall, Chris Lines, Billy Knott, Doug Loft, Gavin Tomlin, Tom Pope. SUBS: Adam Yates, Anthony Griffith, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Louis Dodds, Jordan Hugill, Chris Shuker, Rob Taylor