Fleetwood Town face a second visit within a month to the npower League 2's top side when they play Port Vale on New Year's Day.
By David MitchellFleetwood Town face a second visit within a month to the npower League 2's top side when they play Port Vale on New Year's Day.
Vale's 3-2 win at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday took them to the head of the table for the first time since 2010 after Gillingham's game fell victim to the weather.
For Town, an away match has been something of a rarity in recent weeks with six out of their last eight league and cup games having been at home. Back in September, Port Vale produced a commanding performance going forward at Highbury to defeat Town 5-2.
Town manager Graham Alexander's injury situation is likely to remain unchanged from the York game but he will, nevertheless, be looking for all three points:
'It's going to be a very tough game. Obviously Port Vale did well when they came here earlier in the season and they are riding high at the top of the league. Despite that, we'll go there looking for three points. I've spoken to the lads and told them that we want to be always be pushing for wins. We want them to have a winning mentality and that's what we'll be installing in them. There are winners in the squad, make no mistake, and we are not teaching them something they don't know. We just want to add something extra to that.'
For Vale, 2012 has been marked by serious problems off the pitch and Saturday's events enabled Micky Adams's side to finish a very difficult year on a high. Adams was understandably delighted but cautious and realistic at the same time, as he told the club website:
'Whether it be Fleetwood or anyone else we expect a difficult game. The football calendar has not been kind to us and you have to give credit to the players because we have had northern and southern trips, to Rotherham and Dagenham. I'm sure the supporters are full of pride at the moment. Let's hope we can stay there for as long as we can.'
Tom Pope opened the scoring at Dagenham, his 23rd strike of the season, and he remains the league's hottest property. His side have a current total of 50 league goals at an average of 2.1 per match. Winger Ashley Vincent and skipper Doug Loft are recovering from illness and both missed the Dagenham game.
The match will be Vale's first at home since 8th December. There have been just two defeats at Vale Park, to Gillingham and Chesterfield.
Travelling Cod Army
Visiting supporters will be accommodated in the Hamil Road Visitors Stand which is all seated and under cover.
Admission prices are as follows:
Adults (19 yrs to 61 yrs). £20.00
Juveniles (9 yrs to 18 yrs). £10.00
Senior Citizens over 62 yrs. £15.00
Under 9s are admitted free of charge but tickets must be obtained prior to entertaining the ground from the Club's ticket office on production of suitable proof of age.
No admissions in the stadium by cash payment at the visitors turnstiles are allowed. Visiting supporters who have not pre-purchased tickets will be required to purchase match tickets from the ticket sales points at Vale Park prior to admission to the visitors seating area.
Supporters wishing to purchase tickets in advance can do so by ringing the ticket office on 01782 655832. A charge of 5% will be levied against credit and debit card payments.
DISABLED SUPPORTERS
Spaces are available in the Specialist Disabled Stand. Pre-booking is required on the number above.
