Exeter City will be looking to extend their unbeaten run under the floodlights on Tuesday, January 28 as we take on Port Vale at Vale Park
Here’s everything you need to know about Tuesday night's opponents…
- Founded: 1876
- Nickname: The Valiants
- Honours: Third Division champions: 1929/30 & 1953/54. Fourth Division champions: 1958/59. Football League Trophy: 1993 & 2001
One of the oldest clubs in England and second only to Notts County, Port Vale were founded in 1876 and took the name ‘Port Vale’ from the name of the meeting venue where the club was born. After a move that transpired eight years later, they adopted the name ‘Burslem Port Vale’ and it was not until 1907 that they reverted to their former name.
Their nickname is quite simply the Vale, while they are also known by the more thrilling ‘Valiants’. The Vale’s first piece of silverware came in 1930 when they won the Third Division title, straight off the back of relegation the season prior.
A year later they finished 5th in Division Two which would represent their highest ever finish to this date. Port Vale had to wait over 20 years for their next cup triumph, which saw them claim the Third Division title once more in 1954.
A Fourth Division title followed suit just five years later, though that is the last occasion the Vale have won a league title in any division. They have had more joy in the cups though by winning the Football League Trophy in 1993 and 2001.
Last match
Swindon Town 3 Port Vale 0 | January 25, 2020 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Port Vale fell to a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Swindon last time out in EFL Sky Bet League Two.
The manager
John Askey
John Askey has been in charge of Port Vale since February 2019, he came in as the club was facing a relegation battle and guided Vale to 20th place after securing 16 points from 16 games in charge.
In his playing days Askey was a dangerous winger, who forged a career very much in the image of a one club man. A former product of the Port vale academy, Askey went on to enjoy an illustrious 19-year career at Macclesfield, making over 500 appearances for the Silkmen.
He retired in 2003 after winning two Conference titles and two Player of the Year awards and went on to enhance his legendary status by managing the side for five years between 2013 and 2018. That five-year stint included National League glory, before joining Shrewsbury Town at the beginning of the season.
The dangerman
Tom Pope
Veteran striker Tom Pope is Vale's leading scorer this season with eight strikes.
Tom is in his third spell at Vale Park having been on loan from Rotherham in 2011, which was made permanent at the end of the season. He would leave Port Vale for Bury in 2015 but would then return in 2017 and was made club captain in 2019.
Tom is currently Port Vale's second highest ever goalscorer.
Season so far
Take a look at the Key Stats ahead of Tuesday's clash at Vale Park.
Previous meetings
Exeter City 2 Port Vale 0 | September 17, 2019 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Goals in the last 10 minutes from Ryan Bowman and Lee Martin gave Exeter City a deserved three points with a 2-0 win over Port Vale at St James Park.
Exeter City 2-0 Port Vale | April 13, 2019 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Nicky Law’s early penalty and Hiram Boateng’s spectacular volley ensured Exeter City returned to winning ways in Sky Bet League Two.
Law converted a second-minute penalty kick before Boateng gave goalkeeper Scott Brown no chance with a jaw-dropping volley as City bounced back from their loss at Macclesfield in fine fashion.
Port Vale 1-1 Exeter City (Sky Bet League Two – September 29, 2018)
Idris Kane scored a 97th minute equaliser for the hosts, to serve a devastating blow to the Grecians, as the visitors suffered a blow in their title-charge by dropping to third place.
Nicky Law broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, but the two teams had to share the spoils at the full-time whistle. Port Vale dropped to 16th position.
Head to head
Exeter City wins: 19
Draws: 12
Port Vale wins: 24
Ticket news
Tickets can only be purchased directly from Port Vale. The club does not have an allocation to sell. Please click here to find out more.
WATCH ON IFOLLOW
Unable to make it to Vale Park on Tuesday to watch City take on Port Vale? Don't worry! We've got you covered!
You can purchase a match pass on iFollow in both the UK and overseas at the cost of just £10. The stream includes the live BBC Radio Devon commentary, score overlay and replays.
To purchase a match pass please click here.
