Next stop on what has become an increasingly bizarre season sees the Valiants make their first visit to Chesterfield`s B2net Stadium. In some ways Vale would have been hoping for another trip to the decrepit Saltergate ground, as last season saw an end to Vale`s miserable recent record there. Micky Adams` men ran riot that day, running out 5-0 winners thanks mainly to a hat trick from top scorer Marc Richards.
There is unlikely to be a repeat of that score line on Saturday as the Spireites have enjoyed a fantastic season. They currently sit comfortably top of League Two on 75 points and look set to cruise to promotion to League One.
A major factor in that success has been the form of ex Vale loanee Craig Davies. John Sheridan moved to sign the former Brighton striker following his impressive display alongside Richards last season. Although Adams questioned his on field relationship with Richards, the real reason Vale failed to make Davies` move permanent was financial.
Davies will not be the only former Valiant to line up for Chesterfield at the weekend. Danny Whitaker has also been a key member of the Spireites this season. He is one of four Chesterfield players to have hit double figures this term.
John Sheridan certainly has a number of attacking options to call upon. The evergreen Jack Lester was a substitute last time out at Barnet despite hitting a hat trick in the 5-0 demolition of Rotherham a week earlier. The former Aldershot forward Dean Morgan will also pose a threat despite a season marred by injury.
Vale`s 2-1 win over Lincoln in midweek saw a return to the play off positions, although tough looking away games lie ahead against promotion rivals Torquay United and Stevenage.
Vital Quotes:
John McCombe told BBC Radio Stoke: ‘We are going there as the underdogs but that could well work in our favour.
It’s all about points now. We will be adopting a positive approach to the game.
It hurt the lads to drop out of the top seven. Now we’re back in we intend to stay there but our aim is to climb higher.’
Chesterfield Team News:
John Sheridan has plenty of options for Saturday`s match. Jack Lester looks set to return up front in place of Kieran Djilali. The striker made his 500th League appearance at Barnet last week in a career that has seen him score on a consistent basis for Grimsby, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Chesterfield. Simon Ford will again be missing following a spell out through injury. Dwayne Mattis, Jamie Lowry and Scott Boden will all be hoping recalls.
Possible Team: Lee, Robertson, Griffiths, Holden, Allott, Whitaker, Smalley, Talbot, Morgan, Davies, Lester.
Player to watch: Craig Davies
Davies missed an immediate opportunity to return to Vale Park in August, when suspension ruled him out of the Chesterfield side that day. Eight months and 23 goals later, Vale will need to beware the law of the ex.
Port Vale Team News:
Mark Grew may make changes to the side which defeated Lincoln. Gareth Owen could miss out after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Kris Taylor is set to deputise. Gary Roberts and Rob Taylor will both be hoping for a recall to the starting eleven. Sean Rigg will feature in the squad after completing his three match suspension.
Possible Team: Tomlinson, Yates, McCombe, Collins, K Taylor, Loft, Griffith, Morsy, R Taylor, M Richards, Pope.
Player to watch: Marc Richards
Richards` goal in midweek was the 100th of his career and the Valiants will be looking for another big contribution from the skipper, as he seeks to continue his excellent recent scoring record against John Sheridan`s men.
Match Facts & Stats
Previous Meeting:
Vale 1 (M Richards 12) Chesterfield 1 (Mattis 79)
The Valiants should have finished the contest by half time but for some wayward finishing. Dwayne Mattis made Vale pay and things could have been worse but for Stuart Tomlinson`s save to deny Drew Talbot.
Chesterfield 0 Vale 5 (R Taylor 19, M Richards 44, 51, 79, Davies pen 85)
Vale turned in a spectacular performance to record their first win at Chesterfield since 1989. Marc Richards was again the destroyer, this time with a well taken hat-trick.
Last five games:
Barnet 2-2 Chesterfield
Chesterfield 5-0 Rotherham United
Crewe Alex 2-0 Chesterfield
Chesterfield 2-1 Northampton Town
Cheltenham Town 0-3 Chesterfield
Vale 2-1 Lincoln City
Vale 0-0 Bury
Vale 1-1 Hereford United
Accrington Stanley 3-0 Vale
Vale 1-2 Oxford United
Ref Watch:
S J TANNER
P Dermott and S Lucas
Fourth Official C J Knowles
Match Prediction:
Vale to come away with a point from the league leaders.
Next Fixtures:
Southend United (h) 09/04/2011 15.00
looking forward to ticking another new ground off