Port Vale look to make it two wins from two in the Vertu Trophy as they face Accrington Stanley in Lancashire
The Valiants come into Tuesday’s Vertu Trophy game following a 0-0 draw at Vale Park with Northampton Town.
Post Northampton Thoughts
“From a positive point of view, the determination, the discipline, the fight and approach by us as Vale players, and of course the clean sheet, is something to be positive about.
“We had the best chance of the game that fell right to us at the end, and I was expecting the net to ripple or for the keeper to make the save, and the keeper made the save.”
Our Opponents
Accrington is a town located in the Hyndburn borough of Lancashire. The town is famous for its hard-wearing bricks, which were actually used in the construction of iconic structures such as the Empire State Building. Vale fans will make a roughly 150-mile round trip to watch their side on Tuesday evening.
Stanley currently sit in 20th position in Sky Bet League Two, a league they have been in since their relegation from League One in 2023. Accrington have only won two league games this season, with these wins coming against Colchester and MK Dons. They come into this Vertu Trophy game off the back of a 2-0 defeat away at Barnet.
The Opposition Dugout
John Doolan is the man in charge of the Lancashire outfit. Doolan has been at the club since 2017, when he arrived as Assistant Manager to John Coleman. In March 2024, Doolan was given the role of Caretake Manager and was subsequently given the permanent Manager's role.
Before his time at Accrington, the 56-year-old spent two months as Assistant at Wigan Athletic and, previous to that, four months at Rotherham United. He began his managerial career with the Wigan U18s before moving into a first-team role with the club.
Player to Watch
Tyler Walton is a player for the Vale faithful to keep an eye on in Tuesday’s game. Tyler is currently Stanley’s top scorer with three goals in the league, whilst also contributing to one assist.
Walton had a steady campaign last time out, with the striker scoring nine goals in all competitions and achieving seven assists. Tyler signed for Accrington in 2024 following three seasons at Southport.
Fixture Throwback
Accrington Stanley 2-2 Port Vale, 21st September 2024
Over 1,000 Valiants travelled to the Wham Stadium in September 2024 and witnessed an incredible late comeback from their side.
Shaun Walley opened the scoring for the hosts with just under thirty minutes played and Stanley doubled their lead on the strike of half-time thanks to Donald Love.
Vale’s comeback started with ninety minutes on the clock when Jayden Stockley headed home from Ryan Croasdale’s smart flick on. Antwoine Hackford ensured Vale left Lancashire with a point, five minutes into stoppage time. Ronan Curtis’ goal-bound effort was blocked by a Stanley defender, but the ball fell to Hackford, who buried in the rebound and sent the travelling supporters mad.