Harry Kewell will take his Crawley Town side to Staffordshire on Saturday afternoon looking for a repeat of last season’s 2-1 win at Vale Park.
The Reds took Bristol Rovers close to penalties on Tuesday evening but lost out 2-1, while the Valiants also crashed out of the Carabao Cup, losing 4-0 at home to Lincoln City.
Port Vale and Crawley share identical records in their first three games, having won on the opening day then losing two on the trot.
A MIXED START
Vale’s have had a rollercoaster start to the season. On the opening day of the campaign they flew out the blocks and picked up a comprehensive 3-0 win at home to Cambridge United. But a week later they weren’t able to take that form on the road with them as they lost 2-0 at Colchester United. The loss at home to Lincoln on Tuesday added to Vale’s woes, and Crawley must be wary that the hosts will be looking to put things right on Saturday.
HEAD TO HEAD
Port Vale are memorable opponents for Town, as they hosted our first ever game in the Football League where over 500 Reds fans roared their team on to a respectable 2-2 draw back in August 2011. Marc Richards and Louis Dodds twice canceled out goals from Tyrone Barnett and Kyle McFadzean.
That was the first of eight meetings so far, with Vale edging the contests four wins to three, with that opening meeting the only draw.
Since then, Crawley have picked up some memorable victories over Vale, including last season’s 2-1 win at Vale Park, thanks to a penalty from Josh Payne and an own goal by Nathan Smith. Crawley also picked up what was to be a huge win in 2015, when just three days after our unforgettable 3-2 win at Colchester United, we repeated that score line on a wet Tuesday night in Stoke, thanks to goals from Anthony Wordsworth, Izale McLeod and Richard Wood.
STAR MAN
Prolific striker Tom Pope is in his second spell at Vale Park and is looking to replicate last season where he scored 19 goals for the Valiants in League Two. He has got off to a good start this season, having already been on target twice for Neil Aspin’s men. One of his 19 goals last season was against the Reds in our 2-1 win at Vale Park.
TICKET NEWS
Crawley Town supporters can purchase tickets in advance of the game from Port Vale's online ticket site via our official website (Registration is required).
If booking online use the areas HF1 HF2 HF3 in the Away Stand (unreserved covered seating). Tickets will be available to collect on the day or print at home. Postage is £1. No booking fee.
Crawley supporters can also book in advance by calling Vale's Ticket Office direct on 01782 655 821. If there are any problems when trying to call, supporters are welcome to email ticketoffice@port-vale.co.uk and you will be called back if you leave a contact number.
All Crawley supporters requiring wheelchair spaces or personal helpers will need to book direct via telephone 01782 655821.
You can also purchase tickets on the day of the game at a £2 increase. Vale have a CASH ONLY sales point situated outside the Away Stand or our supporters are welcome to go to Vale's main Ticket Office to pay by Credit or Debit Card.
Prices: Adults (22-61) Advance £20, on day £22; Seniors (62+) Advance £15, on day £17; Young Adults (18-21, ID required): Advance £15, on day £17; Juniors (12-17): Advance £8, on day £10; Under-12s: Free.
Disabled: As Age Category with free personal assistant.
Car parking: £5 per car at stadium. Cannot be booked in advance.
COVERAGE
As always, the official club social media will have all the live updates from Vale Park.
iFollow subscribers in the UK and overseas are able to listen to the match live, with commentary from Gary Smith, with overseas users also able to screen the match. Coverage starts from 2.55pm.