This Saturday, the ninth-place Spireites will play the 12th-place Valiants. We chatted with writer Mike Baggaley of Port Vale to learn more about the Spireites’ upcoming opponents.
What’s been the story of Vale’s season so far?
steady as opposed to stunning. Although winning on the first day of the season at Salford was a positive beginning, the team’s performance in the following three games—including a 4-0 thrashing at Barrow—was unimpressive. But Vale was excellent in their 4-1 victory against Newport on Saturday, leading 4-1 when County was given their first of two red cards following the interval.
It wouldn’t be shocking if Vale takes some time to get going this season considering there was a significant squad rebuild in the summer following relegation. We’re hoping that the victory in Newport portends further developments.
It’s safe to assume that everyone is looking forward to this weekend’s matchup against one of the favourites for promotion. Vale’s most recent home league game ended in defeat to Doncaster, so it will be intriguing to watch how they fare against another formidable foe.
Who are the influential players to watch in Darren Moore’s team?
Jayden Stockley, the target man, made his first league start on Saturday after being sidelined by a preseason injury after joining from Fleetwood. He scored twice and won almost everything in the air, demonstrating his exceptional skill. Since the post-war era of record scorer Tom Pope, or possibly Jamie Proctor, who had a significant impact on the 2021–2022 promotion season, it was the best target man performance from a Vale player.
Keep an eye out for Benicio, the Brighton winger who is currently on loan; his quickness and talent have won him over many fans. Despite playing in a significantly deeper midfield role this season compared to previous, when he led the team in scoring with twelve goals, captain Ben Garrity has nevertheless contributed two goals. Keep an eye out for George Byers, the midfield player who joined Vale on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday this summer and was the team’s big addition. He will likely collaborate with Darren Moore once more. A preseason injury has also hindered him, but he made an excellent debut in the league this past weekend.
What type of football do Vale play?
They had a 3-4-3 lineup to begin the season, but in Newport, Benicio, Lorent Tolaj, and Ethan Chislett formed a potent attacking three that positioned Jayden Stockley at the centre of the opposition’s attack.
Garrity and Byers shared a back four consisting of Kyle John, Connor Hall, Jesse Debrah, Brandon Cover, and right-to-left player Brandon Cover in central midfield.
According to the manager, he thought that specific game would be better with the new configuration. But considering how brilliantly Vale performed last weekend, I doubt many would be shocked if he repeated the feat.
Full backs or wing-backs The manager has the fewest alternatives when it comes to that part of the team because Mitch Clark and Sam Hart are both out due to injuries.
Ryan Croasdale, a central midfielder for Vale who was perhaps the team’s most reliable player in the first month, was sick and missed the Newport match. Ben Heneghan, a former centre half for Sheffield Wednesday, is probably going to make a comeback if the manager goes to a back three.
Off the bench, Vale has attacking options. Ronan Curtis, a former Portsmouth winger, and Ruari Paton, a striker who has performed well since joining from Queen’s Park in the summer, may potentially appear at some point.
Predicted team (4-2-3-1): Ripley; Cover, Debrah, Hall, John; Byers, Garrity; Benicio, Tolaj, Chislett; Stockley.
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