Next up for David Artell’s men is a trip to Stoke-on-Trent to face league-leaders, Port Vale.

The Valiants currently occupy the top spot in the Sky Bet League Two table with three games to go and have only lost three times since the turn of the year, the most recent loss coming away to relegation-threatened Carlisle United on Good Friday. Port Vale were relegated from the third tier at the end of the 2023-24 season after two seasons in League One following promotion in 2022 under former boss Darrell Clarke and they are on track to return to League One on the first time of asking. Last time out at Blundell Park in late December, goals from Cameron McJannet, Doug Tharme and Jason Dadi Svanthorsson saw the Mariners earn a convincing win and keep a clean sheet over the Valiants.

Over the 43 games played this season, Port Vale have won 21, drawn 13 and lost nine. The Valiants have only lost on three occasions at Vale Park since the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign, so the Mariners will be looking to cause an upset with their strong away form this campaign.

Port Vale are managed by 50-year-old Darren Moore, who took charge of the club in February 2024, signing a five-and-half-year deal. Despite not being able to steer the Valiants from the drop zone, he’s currently got the club at the top of League Two in hope of returning to League One at the first time of asking. Moore’s previous managerial roles have included West Bromwich Albion, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday who he led to promotion through the League One play-offs in 2023.

A key player for the Valiants will be Swiss centre-forward, Lorent Tolaj. The 23-year-old joined the Valiants ahead of the 2024-25 season and has notched 13 goals and eight assists to his name in 34 League Two appearances. The number 19 has a powerful left foot on him and his ability to hold the ball up makes him a threat in the penalty area, whether that’s laying the ball off to his teammates or having a shot on goal himself. The former Swiss youth international scored two and assisted in Port Vale’s recent 5-0 win over Bromley and is thriving in Darren Moore’s title-contending squad.

Match information

Tickets for tomorrow’s game are available at Vale Park and can be purchased from turnstiles 28/29 with card/contactless payments only.

For fans making the trip to Stoke-on-Trent, click here for all your important matchday information.

Overseas fans can watch the game live on Mariners TV for £10 by clicking here.

UTM