The already-promoted Valiants conclude the season with a home fixture against Gillingham this weekend.
After sealing promotion last weekend, the Valiants still have the opportunity to win the league on Saturday in front of a sold-out Vale Park.
Vale come into the game off the back of a 2-0 victory over 5th place AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. Two goals in quick succession from Jayden Stockley and Jaheim Headley were enough to secure Vale all three points and a place in Sky Bet League One next season.
Gaffer's Thoughts:
Here’s what Darren Moore had to say after he guided his side to promotion:
“It’s been an outstanding day for everyone connected to the club. Congratulations to all the Vale fans back in Burslem.
“Yes, we know we still have a game to go next week but I am so pleased we got the three points and secured promotion today.
“There has been a wonderful unity between the supporters and the players and I thank them all. The commitment they have shown us on the road and at Vale Park has been outstanding.”
The Gaffer also looked ahead to this weekend’s final league fixture:
“I think the media and supporters have played a big part in that for me in terms of getting the boys ready. We have trained exactly the same and demanded exactly the same as we have all season from them.
“This week has probably been a mental re-jig. We are building up to the final week of the season, knowing what we have achieved, but there is still so much more to be achieved this season.
“That has been a motivation in itself.”
The Opposition
Gillingham currently sit 17th in Skt Bet League Two. The Gills come into the game on an eleven-game unbeaten run which is made up of eight draws and three wins.
In their last outing they drew 1-1 against Swindon Town at Preistfield in a game where the Gills had two players sent off in second half injury time.
On the road this season, Gillingham have only won three of their 22 games away from home. In their other nineteen game's they have drawn eleven and lost eight.
Who’s in Charge?
Former Vale winger Gareth Ainsworth is in charge at Gillingham after he joined the club in March 2025.
Ainsworth is a well-liked figure at Vale Park. The winger played 55 games for the club after signing for a club record fee off £500,000 in 1997. Despite not playing many games, he became a fans' favourite at the Vale before leaving a year later for a club record two million pounds.
Ainsworth is well known for the job he did with Wycombe Wanderers where he managed 550 games in an eleven-year spell as manager. In his time at Adams Park he won promotion from League Two twice and also got his side to the Championship in the 2020/21 season.
Since joining Gillingham, Ainsworth has only taken charge of eight games, in which is remains unbeaten with eight draws and two victories.
Player to Watch
Former Championship forward Bradley Dack has ended a frustrating season on a high. The 31-year-old re-joined the club in the summer but has only made five starts due to injuries. However, Dack has found his feet and has two goal involvements in his last four games.
Left wing back Max Clark has been the standout player for his side this season. He has started all but one of his sides league games this season and has got eight goal involvements from his defensive position.
Fixture Throwback
Port Vale 2-1 Gillingham, Saturday 17th September 2016
The last time the sides met at Vale Park was back in the 2016/17 season and it was the Valiants who came away with all three points.
The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute when Josh Wright fired home from close range following a well-worked corner routine.
Vale pushed for a leveller and were finally rewarded fourteen minutes from time when Remi Streete reacted quickest to fire home after Quentin Pereira’s shot was saved by Jonathan Bond.
The turnaround was completed in the 84th minute when Alex Jones cut inside onto his left foot before firing a low shot past the keeper from the edge of the box to earn his side all three points.
Ref Watch
Jacob Miles has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s final league fixture. He will be assisted by Daniel Woodward and Michael Webb. Peter Wright is the fourth official.
Miles has refereed most of his games in Leagues One and Two. In his 32 games this season he has dished out 125 yellow cards and four red cards.
