Play-off chasing Port Vale look to pick themselves up after three consecutive defeats as they welcome Salford City to Vale Park

Credit: Harvey Todd

Port Vale, who are on the back of three defeats on the spin, welcome Salford City to Vale Park as Darrell Clarke’s side hope to clinch their first win since December 7th.

Initially scheduled for Boxing Day, the tie was postponed due to COVID-19 cases in the Valiants’ camp.

Since the turn of the new year, Vale have played two games, a 4-1 FA Cup defeat against Brentford and a 3-1 loss against Swindon Town on Saturday.

New signing Kian Harratt was amongst the goals again, scoring his second goal in as many games since arriving in Burslem on loan from Huddersfield Town. He scored the equaliser in the game against the Robins, however, it was not enough as a hat-trick of assists from ex-Valiant Harry McKirdy ensured the visitors took the three points back to the County Ground.

The hosts will be without goalkeeper Lucas Covolan after he was dismissed following a dangerous challenge on McKirdy which earned Swindon a penalty that Ben Gladwin converted.

Vale’s luck got worse in the second half after Nathan Smith attempted to block McKirdy’s looping cross, however, a wicked deflection saw the ball instead end up in the back of the net sealing the Valiants’ third straight defeat.

Harratt could be the potent and prolific striker that could help Vale get into the League Two play-offs this season and will hope to add more as the games go on. The 19-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite at Vale Park thanks to his all-round ability and positive work ethic.

Ben Garrity, who was utilised as a make-shift striker by Clarke, is so far Vale’s top scorer this campaign with seven goals in 20 league games.

The 24-year-old was bought in from Blackpool on a free transfer in the summer and has been a key component in Vale’s midfield alongside Tom Pett and maestro club captain Tom Conlon.

Port Vale are at risk of losing a further three players to suspension with Brad Walker, Dan Jones and new signing Connor Hall all on four yellow cards and another booking will see them sidelined.

For Salford, they also come into this game having only won two of their last five matches in all competitions.

The Ammies’ latest game ended in a 2-1 away defeat to Bradford City at Valley Parade on Saturday. Brandon Thomas-Asante opened the scoring in the game but saw sent off just before the break and will miss Tuesday’s clash in Staffordshire.

Bradford turned the tie around in the second half as Ryan Watson’s own goal levelled the game before the hosts clinched the three points through Paudie O’Connor five minutes from time.

A key man for Salford will be versatile playmaker Josh Morris, who has contributed to six goals so far this season.

The 30-year-old has created the most big chances for his side, however, being without Thomas-Asante will make their challenge even greater.

Salford are ranked sixth for shots on target per match but are 15th in the goals-scored table. The Ammies will hope their on-target form can trouble Vale’s backup shot-stopper Aidan Stone who is set to start in goal for the hosts.

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As mentioned, Vale will be without the suspended Covolan therefore Stone looks likely to make his fourth league appearance of the campaign.

Other absentees include Jake Taylor who misses out with a quad injury and Jamie Proctor who is still recovering from a stomach operation.

For Salford, their only absentee for the clash at Vale Park will be suspended striker Thomas-Asante.

Head to Head

The two sides have only met on five occasions with Vale unbeaten against the Ammies at home, however, it is Salford who lead overall with two wins to the Valiants’ one which came in October 2020.

The previous encounter came in March 2021 as Ian Henderson found the net moments before half-time to seal the game for Salford, a feat they will hope to replicate in Burslem on Tuesday.

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