Vale v Accrington Preview

Vale head into the first of two home this week in buoyant mood following last week`s win at Macclesfield. Whilst many eyes will be trained on Tuesday night`s top of the table clash against Shrewsbury Town, Vale first entertain an Accrington side that has started the season in fine form. Stanley currently sit in sixth spot in League Two and are fresh from a 3-0 win over Lincoln City last Friday. With Vale in vintage away form, it is vital that Micky Adam`s troops can continue their winning ways at Vale Park, after winning the last two in all competitions. The visitors have only conceded one league goal all season, and have already notched up three scoreless draws away from the Crown Ground already this term, so the Valiants will require plenty of patience in order to break down a resolute Accy defence.

Vital Quotes:

Micky Adams told BBC Radio Stoke. ‘It`s a happy dressing room at the moment and that is what we want- but we don`t want them overconfident. We know we face a difficult task to beat Accrington- you only have to look at their defensive record to see that they are well organised`.

Port Vale Team News:

Adams has influential midfielder Gary Roberts available again after suspension and must decide whether to immediately recall him to the staring eleven, or to stick with the side that enjoyed a comfortable win at Macclesfield. Loan winger Jemal Johnson will also be eager to make his first start for the Valiants. Doug Loft enjoyed a return from injury in the reserves draw at Barnsley but will most likely have to settle for a place on the bench.

Player to watch: Marc Richards

Marc Richards has started the season where he left off and will be hungry to add to his goal tally of six. With namesake Justin alongside him, the pair have already forged a deadly partnership in their short time together.

Accrington Stanley Team News:

With Terry Gornell set to be fit after recovering from a knock, Stanley are expected to name an unchanged line up from the win over Lincoln. Expected team: Dunbavin, Bateson, Edwards, Hessey, Winnard, Barnett, Procter, Ryan, Parkinson, Gornell, McConville.

Player to watch: Jimmy Ryan

Vale will have to keep an eye on midfielder Jimmy Ryan. Speaking to the Accrington official club website, Assistant manager Jimmy Bell spoke of Ryan`s influence. ‘This is as good as Jimmy`s ever played for us and I still think there is a lot better to come. He`s got a great pedigree; he`s got every attribute a footballer could want. He`s magnificent. A great pro`. Ryan has yet to find the net this season but will be instrumental in Stanley`s play.

Match Facts & Stats

Last Season

Vale 2 (Dodds, Fraser) Stanley 2(Edwards pen, Procter).

Ref Watch:

T M KETTLE
P C Wright and J R Tyas
Fourth Official D P Meeson

Match Prediction:

Much like the Aldershot game, Vale will have to contend with an organised and resolute visiting side. Marc Richards to net his 7th of the season and see the Vale to a 1-0 win.

Next Fixtures:

Shrewsbury Town (Tue 28 Sep 19.45)