Port Vale will be looking to continue their impressive run of form as they make the journey to St James Park this afternoon to face Exeter City in Sky Bet League Two action.
Fixture: Exeter City vs Port Vale
Competition: Sky Bet League Two
Date: Saturday 13th April 2019
Kick-Off: 3:00 pm
Venue: St James Park
Referee: Tom Nield
Port Vale
Form: LLLDWWDLWW
League Position: 18th
Top Scorer: Tom Pope (13 goals)
John Askey's Vale will be full of confidence heading into this afternoon's clash with Exeter City following their 1-0 win over local rivals Crewe Alexandra. Tom Pope's spectacular second-half finish ensured Vale secured a league double over Crewe for the first time in 20 years.
A win at St James Park will take Vale to the 50-point mark, a target Askey set following his arrival at Vale Park. With just one defeat in seven games, there is no reason Vale can't all but secure their League Two status this weekend.
However, the boss faces a blow as Manny Oyeleke has been sidelined following an injury picked up against Crewe. The powerful midfielder pulled up with a muscle injury during last week's game and could be set for several weeks on the sidelines.
On a more positive note, Leon Legge is eligible following his red card picked up against Northampton Town, and Luke Joyce could be back in contention as the midfielder has shown positive signs following the slight injury he picked up over the past few weeks.
"We're looking to finish the season well, continue what we've been doing and hopefully that'll be the case. The players are playing for contracts..."
John Askey, Manager
Exeter City
Form: LWDLLWWLDL
League Position: 7th
Top Scorer: Jayden Stockley (16 goals)
The Grecians will be looking to bounce back this afternoon as they are now three games without a win. A recent loss against struggling Macclesfield Town will have left Matt Taylor frustrated.
Despite a positive start to the season, Exeter's progress has rather been halted in the league and they will be looking to put things right as they continue their search for a play-off place.
Taylor will be boosted by the fact that Christy Pym has now seen out his one-match ban. The Exeter 'keeper has been in great form this season and is fundamental to the success of the team.
Jonathan Forte, who has been struggling with a knee issue, has been told he will not be able to play 90 minutes this afternoon, whereas it is yet to be seen whether Lee Martin will be available after the forward picked up a knock against Macclesfield.
One to watch: Nicky Law
31-year-old midfielder who has played for a host of clubs across the Football League - Law wears the number eight for Exeter City.
Having graduated through the academy at Sheffield United, Law went onto make his professional debut for the Blades in 2005 as a second-half substitute against Reading.
In search of first-team football, Law enjoyed loan spells with Yeovil Town and Bradford City, before leaving permanently for Rotherham United.
89 appearances later, he moved to Scotland with Motherwell before signing for Glasgow Rangers where he almost made 100 appearances.
Law signed for Exeter in July 2018 and has contributed to nine goals and five assists so far this season.
Talk
John Askey: "It does look as though we're nearly there. Hopefully, we can get three points tomorrow and I feel that would finally be it on 50 points.
"We're looking to finish the season well, continue what we've been doing and hopefully that'll be the case. The players are playing for contracts..."
Matt Taylor: “We need a reaction. It’s another opportunity, we’ve got five opportunities left, starting with Port Vale at the weekend but it’s a game we want to look forward to.
"People talk about pressure, but that’s why we’re in this business, that’s why the players train and work as hard as they do, for moments like this.”
Coverage
iFollow The Vale will be providing full 90-minute commentary from the match, whilst the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feeds will be providing live updates for the entirety.
There will also be the build-up to the game with the official Snapchat and Instagram accounts: officialpvfc.
Reaction will be available on the official website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and social media.